FOR ARTISTS interested in calls for entries or submission opportunities, regularly check this page, as we will update it with all current opportunities! 

 

SUMMARY

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Festival of Lights: ANNUAL Juried Exhibition

Celebrate creativity, culture, and the power of light.

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The Monmouth Museum invites artists to submit work for Festival of Lights, a juried exhibition inspired by Diwali and the themes of light, resilience, identity, and tradition.

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• Open to emerging and established artists (18+)

• Priority for South Asian artists and diaspora, all welcome

• Juried by award-winning artist Nupur Nishith

• Four $250 awards + honorable mentions

 

Location: Monmouth Museum Dunellen
Exhibition Dates: October 2 – November 15, 2026

Submission Deadline: August 22, 2026

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We are seeking work that explores:

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• Cultural storytelling

• Identity and heritage

• Ritual and celebration

• Light as symbol or material

• Contemporary interpretations of tradition

 

Submit up to 4 works via Submittable. All mediums welcome.

Be part of a vibrant exhibition connecting tradition with contemporary voices.

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Monmouth Museum, Dunellen:

Festival of Lights Annual Juried Exhibit

Juried by Nupur Nishith
 

Exhibition Dates

October 2, 2026 to November 15, 2026

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Location

Monmouth Museum Dunellen, 266 North Avenue, Dunellen, NJ 08812
 

About the Exhibition

In celebration of Diwali, the Monmouth Museum invites artists to submit work for Festival of Light, a juried exhibition exploring themes of light, resilience, identity, and cultural tradition.
 

Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. This exhibition expands on those ideas through contemporary perspectives, highlighting both traditional and modern interpretations from South Asian artists and the broader diaspora.
 

We are seeking work that reflects:

• Cultural heritage and storytelling

• Personal and collective identity

• Ritual, celebration, and home

• Light as symbol, material, or concept

• Contemporary interpretations of tradition
   

This exhibition is part of the Museum’s ongoing commitment to amplifying diverse voices and building meaningful cultural connections within the Dunellen community and beyond.

 

Juror 

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Juror: Nupur Nisith 

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Nupur Nishith is a U.S.-based, award-winning artist and curator known for reimagining Mithila (Madhubani) painting within a contemporary global context. Working across diverse media, she blends traditional motifs with modern expression, expanding the boundaries of this historic art form.

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Her work has been widely exhibited and recognized at institutions including the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition, Monmouth Museum, and Watchung Arts Center, with selections by jurors connected to leading organizations such as the Museum of Modern Art. Her murals, installations, and public art projects have been featured in major venues including Central Park, the United Nations, and the Asian Art Museum.

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A trailblazer in digital Mithila art, Nishith is also an active curator, juror, and cultural advocate. She has curated international exhibitions, contributed to global arts initiatives, and continues to promote the visibility and evolution of Mithila art through her platform, Creative Mithila.

 

Curators: Nupur Nisith & Erika Schaefer

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Erika Schaefer is the Executive Director of the Monmouth Museum, where she has led a period of expansion, including the launch of the Museum’s Dunellen location. Her work focuses on accessibility, community engagement, and presenting exhibitions that connect contemporary art with diverse audiences.  

 

Together, Nishith and Schaefer bring a shared commitment to cultural storytelling and community connection. Their collaboration on Festival of Light reflects a balance between honoring tradition and embracing contemporary artistic voices, creating an exhibition that is both visually compelling and deeply rooted in lived experience.

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Awards

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• Four Juror Awards of $250 each  

• Five Honorable Mentions​

 

Eligibility

• Open to emerging and established artists 18+

• Priority given to artists of South Asian descent and diaspora, though all artists responding thoughtfully to the theme are welcome

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Entry Fee

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• First entry: $30  

• Each additional entry: $10, up to three  

• Maximum entries allowed: Four entries per artist

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Submission Guidelines

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• Submission Deadline: August 22, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST

• Online Submissions Only: Via Submittable

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Required Materials

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• Contact information, including Instagram and Facebook handles  

• Artist abstract, maximum 200 words, describing the concept and connection to the theme  

• Artwork details including title, medium, dimensions, year, and price  

• JPEG images, 300 dpi, maximum 3000 by 3000 pixels  

• Filename example: Ideas_1_Acrylic_24x36_2023_$2000

 

Additional Submission Guidelines

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• Maximum of four artworks per artist  

• Acceptance is not guaranteed  

• The Museum may reject delivered work that differs significantly from submitted images

• Wall-mounted works must not exceed six feet in any direction  

• A sculpture weight limit will apply  

• Sculptures must fit through a standard doorway and be structurally sound  

• Sculptures must stand securely or include proper support  

• Installations may include light or digital media elements if safely installed  

• Submissions should relate to the theme, including ideas of time and life from its beginnings to today  

• Mixed media entries must list all materials  ​

 

Important Dates

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• Call Opens: July 1, 2026 - Link will be available beginning 7/1/2026

• Submission Deadline: August 22, 2026

• Artist Notification: September 1, 2026

• Artwork Drop-off / Delivery: September 15–20, 2026

• Installation: September 21–28, 2026

• Opening Reception: Friday, October 2, 2026 at 6pm

• Exhibition Dates: October 2 – November 15, 2026

• Diwali 2026: November 8 (on view during the holiday)

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Artwork Specifications

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• Wall-mounted works must not exceed six feet  

• Sculptures must fit through a standard doorway and may not exceed five feet  

• A sculpture weight limit applies  

• Sculptures must stand solidly or include needed support/stand  

• Proper wiring required for all hanging works  

• No sawtooth hangers  

• Artwork must remain installed for the full exhibition NO EXCEPTIONS​

 

Sales

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• All artwork must be for sale  

• Museum commission: 30 Percent  

• Artist receives 70 Percent​

 

Shipping and Liability

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• Artists are responsible for shipping costs and transit liability  

• A prepaid return label with a barcode is required  

• Inbound shipping must use FedEx, UPS, or DHL  

• Outbound return shipping may use FedEx, UPS, DHL, or USPS  

• The Museum cannot accept inbound USPS deliveries  

• The Museum is not responsible for artwork left after November 20, 2026​

 

Contact for Assistance

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Jenna McDonald

Phone: 732 224 1992  

Email: jmcdonald@monmouthmuseum.org

 

Drop-Off Address

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Monmouth Museum Dunellen, 266 North Avenue, Dunellen, NJ 08812

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Shipping Address

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Monmouth Museum Dunellen, 266 North Avenue, Dunellen, NJ 08812