Studio Montclair is delighted to announce one of its largest and most distinguished exhibits: The 29th Annual Open Juried Exhibition, “Viewpoints 2026” on view from April 24 to June 5 at Studio Montclair’s Leach Gallery, 641 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ.
Congratulations to our 2023 Award Winners!
Phoebe M. Pollinger Best in Show Award
Barbara Novak, “Shaman”
Second Place
Janet Boltax, “Madame Vivien V”
Third Place
Paulina Olivares, “The Woman with the Red Dress”
Honorable Mentions
Jean-Paul Picard, “Glass Block 12”
Alison Deas, “Roots?”
Francesca Azzara, “Finding the Time”
Leach Gallery
641 Bloomfield Ave.
Montclair, NJ
862-500-1447
Gallery Hours:
By Appointment only.
Opening Reception: Friday, April 24, 6:00 to 8:00pm
The exhibition—presenting artworks selected from hundreds of noteworthy submissions—provides a window into the defining intellectual, moral, and cultural themes of today. According to Juror Jeanne Brasile, “Much of the art shares a through line of humor, others champion the banal – and while there are many abstract artworks in the mix – there is a noticeable increase in the number of figurative artworks. This may reflect people’s thirst for connection after years of screens and social distancing. Other artists transmit their concerns about the environment, discrimination, racism, sexism, and war. Many artworks embody a surreal quality that reflects today’s uncertain state of affairs.”
The exhibit juxtaposes works using modest materials–demonstrating the creative value of everyday objects or discarded items–with creations employing traditional artistic mediums. Says Brasile, “Some approach the realm of alchemy with their materials and techniques. There are those that choose humble materials transformed not by chemical reactions, but by artistic vision and the audacity to see something of worth in the discarded. Others continue to use time-honored techniques, while some prefer a more experimental approach.” A kaleidoscope of styles and subject matter will provide every viewer with an opportunity to experience contemplation and delight.
Participating Artists:
Daji Adami, Kate Albright, Nafeesah Allen, Ann Antoshak, Roxanne Baechler, Jill Bender, Terri Binder, Virginia Schaffer Block, Janet Boltax, Victoria Bradley, Nova Bronstein, Jacqueline Buck Donadeo, Margaret Cameron, Corrine Carr, Cal Carter, Elyse Carter, Pauline Chernichaw, Dennis Connors, Robin Cross-Keller, Steven Cummings, Joanne Curi, Alison Deas, Joan Diamond, Circe Dunnell, Hugh Dwyer, Anya Ellia, Erica Engfer Pizza, Lenore Fiore-Mills, Dail Fried, Jon Gabry, Roger Generazzo, Sean Gillis, Lydia Gladkova, Ben Goldman, John Gonell, Kathleen A. Greco, Angela Greene, Andrea Grillo, John Gummere, Geri Hahn, Beth Heit, Susan Hensel, Linda Brooks Hirschman, Linda Jacobs, Caren King Choi, Megan Klim, Michelle Kurlan Schneider, Maria Lupo, Stephen March, Denise Marshall, Jen Martin, Thomas Martin, John Masi, Patrick McCoy, Charlie McIlvane, Bud McNichol, Len Merlo, Sarah Miani, Jennifer Myhre, Martina Nevado, Paulina Olivares, Denis Orloff, Deborah Pohl, Gail Postal, Amy Putman, Sonia Rapaport, Steve Rappaport, Robert Richardson, Cassie Rodrigues, Akil Roper, Michael Scherfen, Veronica Rose Snead, Nicholas Spindler, Nette Thomas, Dawn Tighe, Sarah Valinezhad Zarnaghi, Amy Wax, Sonia Yaco, Kosuke Yuki, Zak Zablow, S. Zanger
Juror: Jeanne Brasile is currently the Executive Director at the Hunterdon Art Museum. She has curated exhibitions at Index Art Center, SITE Festival/Arts in Bushwick, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, The Walsh Gallery at Seton Hall University and the Tony Smith Sculpture Project. She earned her B.A. in art history/studio art from Ramapo College of New Jersey and her M.A. in Museum Studies at Seton Hall University. Brasile’s curatorial practice is focused on working with emerging and mid-career artists in non-profit venues. She is particularly engaged in developing exhibitions outside the white cube with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches to curating and art-making. This approach is enhanced by her roles as an educator, arts advocate, writer and artist. She is most interested in developing exhibitions that engage non-traditional audiences while challenging viewers to re-think their perceptions about art and the role of the museum/gallery.