Coast: A Call to Enter for New Jersey Artists

The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts & Sciences invites applications to "Coast," a juried competition and exhibition for New Jersey artists. This call invites artwork that celebrates and explores New Jersey's coastline, a defining feature of the state that influences tourism, the fishing industry, waterways and navigation, politics and defense, natural beauty, and quality of life. Artwork may be a direct reflection of coastal imagery or inspired by coastal themes, capturing the spirit, environment, and culture of life along the shore.

Eligible mediums include drawing, painting, hand-pulled prints, photography, mixed media, wall-hung 2D works in the crafts (clay, glass, metal, fiber, wood), video, and computer-generated digital work displayed as prints. All artworks must have been created within the past two years. Artists must be 18 years or older and residents of New Jersey. Work must not have been previously exhibited at LBIF and must be available for the duration of the exhibition. All artwork must be for sale with a retail value not exceeding $7,500. The Long Beach Island Foundation will retain a 40% commission of the purchase price on all works sold during the exhibition.

Entry fee is $35.00 for up to 4 entries (non-refundable). Submit 1-4 images in JPEG format, 1200 pixels or greater on the longest side, under 5 MB. Include a 1-2 page artist statement, bio, and resume as a PDF or Word document listing your county of residence. Deadline: May 17, 2026. Accepted entries will be notified by email by June 5, 2026. Work must be received by July 9, 2026. Exhibition dates: July 18 - August 9, 2026. Awards: $500 first prize, $250 second prize, $100 third prize, and three honorable mentions. Two-dimensional works should not exceed 60 inches in width and height, and not exceed 10 lbs. Work may not project beyond 18 inches in the third dimension. All work must be suitably framed, firmly wired, and professionally presented in black, white, or natural wood frames. Contact: [email protected] or 609-494-1241.