April 5, 2005 - June 12, 2005

Fifty-seven pieces of outstanding artwork by talented high school artists are now on view in the 17th annual Fresh Perspectives exhibition at the Morris Museum. This exhibition is designed to encourage promising young artists by sharing their artistic achievements with the public and to recognize art teachers for effective teaching. Over 500 works of art were submitted for consideration. 

My Home, Wendy Escobarr, Commercial Art Technology at Dickinson High School, Fresh Perspectives 2005

This year’s jurors are Margaret M. O’Reilly, assistant curator of fine art collections and exhibitions at the New Jersey State Museum, and Serena Bocchino, professional artist and 2002 recipient of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts Fellowship Award.

According to Ms. O’Reilly, “The eclectic nature of the show depicts the diversity of art being produced in today’s schools. It is a result of the willingness of the teachers to challenge their students as well as the students’ willingness to take risks by exposing themselves in their work.”

The high school artists’ creative influences range from traditional to cutting edge. The exhibition displays a rich variety of diverse media including oil, watercolor, ceramic, photography, digital imaging, metal, collage, pastel, graphite and mixed media. All young artists selected are awarded a certificate of participation, and their names as well as the names of their teachers are published in an exhibition catalogue.

A reception to meet the student artists and their teachers takes place on Thursday, April 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. Please call 973.971.3700 for an invitation.