Call for Art Opening Soon. A Time Within a Time Returns for the Monmouth Museum’s 46th Annual Juried Exhibition

Cherry Blossoms by Barbara Rowan Umar

The Monmouth Museum is excited to announce that submissions will open in January for one of our longest-running and most beloved traditions, the Annual Juried Exhibition. Now entering its 46th year, the exhibition continues to bring together an inspiring and diverse range of contemporary artists from across the region, the nation, and the world.

Life in the Liminal by Melanka Coppola

This year’s theme, A Time Within a Time, invites artists to reflect on the many layers of experience that shape our lives. Chosen by Juror Monica S. Camin, the theme explores the moments that sit inside other moments, the memories that define us, and the ways we understand the passage of time. Artists are encouraged to think deeply about the relationship between past, present, and future, as well as the transformations, emotions, and histories that live inside these timelines.

The exhibition will be on view in the Main Gallery from March 15 to May 10, 2026, with an opening reception on March 15.

What Artists Can Expect

When submissions open in January, artists will be invited to submit up to four works in any visual art medium except photography. Work must be original and created within the last five years. Each submission will require a brief abstract that explains how the piece connects to the theme.

This year’s juror, Monica S. Camin, brings a deeply thoughtful and conceptually rich perspective. Her artistic practice explores time, memory, and emotional landscapes, making her uniquely suited to guide the selection.

Monica S. Camin is an Argentine-born fine artist based in New Jersey and Texas. She offers progressive views and diverse perspectives to the Museum Board—not only as an artist but as the daughter of immigrants. She believes cultural education is important to bring our communities closer to one another, and wants minority voices to feel both seen and heard. Her multidisciplinary work in painting, sculpture, and textile art has been exhibited nationally and internationally, reflecting themes of ancestry, displacement, and cultural memory. Monica’s cross-cultural experiences and artistic vision bring a unique and valuable voice to the Museum’s leadership. In 2023, Monica received the Artistic Leadership Award at the Monmouth Museum Masquerade Ball, a celebration of our 60th anniversary. She continues to be an advocate for immigrant voices in contemporary art and remains active in fostering dialogue around memory, identity, and community through her creative work.

Installation will be led by Jenn Hampton, co-owner and creative director of Parlor Gallery. Jenn is known for her creative eye, dynamic installations, and ability to bring an exhibition to life through thoughtful placement and flow within the gallery.

Why Participate

The Monmouth Museum’s Annual Juried Exhibition has become a beloved platform for both emerging and established artists. International participation in past years has included artists from Japan, Russia, Israel, Lithuania, and Germany, creating a dynamic and diverse dialogue. Participating artists will also be considered for one of four $250 Juror Awards or one of five Honorable Mentions.

Key Dates

• Submissions Open: January 2026 • Submission Deadline: Friday, February 13, 2026 • Notification: February 20, 2026 • Exhibition Dates: March 15 to May 10, 2026 • Opening Reception: Sunday, March 15, 2026 from 4 PM to 6 PM

Stay Tuned

We will share the submission link and full guidelines in early January. Artists of all backgrounds, styles, and experiences are encouraged to apply. Whether you are experimenting with new materials or refining an established practice, this year’s theme offers a rich opportunity for reflection and creative exploration.

We cannot wait to see how artists interpret A Time Within a Time and to welcome another powerful exhibition to the Monmouth Museum.