Journeys of Interdependence: Portraits of First-generation Identity in Higher Education

This juried exhibition invites artists to submit works that interpret the first-generation college experience through portraiture. The exhibition welcomes portraits made in a variety of media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, printmaking, textiles, video, performance, and time-based media.

Eligibility and Requirements: The subject of the work must identify as first-generation (defined as the first member of their family to attend college, or a student whose parents/guardians may have some college but have not attained a baccalaureate degree in the U.S.). Each artist may enter up to three works. Submissions must include an artist statement, images/media of the piece, artist bio, and a $30 entry fee for up to 3 artworks. Only artwork of professional presentation will be accepted. Wall-hung items must be professionally framed with sturdy wire as the hanging medium; no saw-tooth hangers or metal eyelets are accepted. Three-dimensional works must be stable to stand on their own or submitted with adequate display stands and cannot exceed 5'h x 3'w or weigh more than 75 pounds. Shipping or drop-off of accepted work to Monmouth University is the responsibility of the artist.

The call for entries closes on December 1, 2023. Participants will be notified by December 15. The exhibition will run in Monmouth University's Pollak Gallery from January 16 – March 8, 2024, with an opening reception on January 19 from 5-7 pm. For questions, contact Kelly Barratt at 732.263.5114 or [email protected].