The New Jersey State Museum will present a series of seven in-gallery talks with artists featured in the 2022 New Jersey Arts Annual: Reemergence exhibition on select Wednesdays through the run of the show.

Each event will feature two artists who will discuss their work in the context of the exhibition; programs will run for 45 minutes to one hour. These free lunchtime talks will begin at 12:15 p.m. in the exhibition gallery and will offer attendees a deeper understanding of the featured artists and their practice. The New Jersey Arts Annual: Reemergence exhibition is on view through April 30, 2023.

The first talk in the series will take place on September 21 and features Donté Hayes and Donna Conklin King. Mr. Hayes’ artwork is informed by research and engagement with traditional African heirlooms and initiation rites, as well as his interest in history, science-fiction, and hip-hop culture.

Donna Conklin King explores the possibilities of concrete as a medium as she creates environments that address the relationship between nature, architecture, and the inevitable ruins of civilization.

The October 19^th talk will feature artists José Camacho and Matilda Forsberg. Mr. Camacho’s richly layered surfaces combine commercial methods of artistic production with subject matter that explores memory and cultural heritage.

In her paintings, Ms. Forsberg reflects on migration and multicultural identity, most recently meditating on what it means for her and her family to settle in a foreign country and culture.

Schedule for Artist Talks:

Sep. 21 Donté Hayes & Donna Conklin King

Oct. 19  José Camacho & Matilda Forsberg

Nov. 16 Sinéad Hornak & ShinYoung An

Jan. 25  Mashell Black & George Taylor

Feb. 22 Megan Klim & Katrina Bello

Mar. 22 Theda Sandiford & Pam Cooper

Apr. 19  Mark Ludak & Caroline Burton

Each year, the New Jersey Arts Annual is presented by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, in partnership with major museums around the state, alternating between host institutions.

These exhibitions are open to any artist currently living or working in New Jersey. This year’s juried exhibition drew 1,999 submissions from 393 artists, representing every one of New Jersey’s 21 counties. One hundred twenty-seven works by 95 artists were selected for inclusion in the exhibition (see list below).

The New Jersey Arts Annual: Reemergence is a project of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the New Jersey State Museum. At the New Jersey State Museum, the exhibition is also supported by the New Jersey State Museum Foundation.

The New Jersey State Museum is open Tuesday – Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:45 pm. For additional information visit www.statemuseum.nj.gov, like the Museum’s Facebook page (@NJStateMuseum), and follow them on Twitter (njstatemuseum), or Instagram (nj_statemuseum).