10 for the Semiquin

West Windsor Arts announces plans for a special art exhibition to celebrate New Jersey’s role in the 250th anniversary (Semiquincentennial or “Semiquin”) of our nation’s founding. Up to 10 selected artists will be paired up with local museums or historical sites that are offering special Semiquin programming. Artists will create new artwork in response to what they experience - artwork that explores the relevance of these stories in today’s America, and reflects the cultural richness of our region. These new works will be exhibited in the main gallery of the West Windsor Arts during the summer of 2026. 

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The process: Artists are invited to submit qualifications and a statement of interest in response to this open RFQ (request for qualifications). The exhibition’s juror will select up to 10 artists to participate in the exhibit. Invited artists will be notified by mid-October and paired with a partner heritage organization or museum. Artists are expected to visit their partner site for the first time within a month of selection, and will have 6 months to complete and deliver their work and written statements to the West Windsor Arts gallery. Staff will visit artists’ studios at least once to view artist’s progress and discuss development of interpretive materials. A $100 stipend will be provided to invited artists to help offset materials, travel and other costs. Artists may create more than one work, but final selection will be up to the Juror. Art may be offered for sale. Artists retain 70% of sales.

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CRITERIA FOR SELECTION 

The juror will determine artist selection based on the work samples submitted by artists, review of artist bios and exhibition histories, and evaluation of the artist’s Statement of Interest. Professionalism, handling of media, sensitivity to subject, technical skill, creativity will all factor into the consideration. In reviewing the Statement of Interest, the juror will be looking for, among other things, the artist’s thoughtfulness and engagement in response to the exhibit’s theme, intent and process. Artists must reside within a 40 mile radius of Princeton Junction/West Windsor, NJ, in order to qualify for consideration. 

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About the Juror: Tricia Fagan has worked at the intersection of art and history for more than 25 years as a curator, writer, administrator, producer and consultant. She is a founding member of Trenton Avant Garde; has served as the director of Artworks/Trenton and curator and director of The Gallery at MCCC; and worked for the NJ State Council on the Arts and Mercer County's Division of Culture and Heritage (where, among other assignments, she managed the County's History Regrant program). Fagan currently works for the NJ Department of Treasury as an arts and history specialist. She lives with her husband, musician Wilbo Wright, in West Windsor.

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‍About West Windsor Arts: As a non-profit organization, West Windsor Arts’ mission is to cultivate the artist within everyone, while inspiring a creative community that is engaged, inclusive and equitable. They present a range of arts programs for all ages that include 7 free art exhibitions in its beautiful gallery, free community arts and music festivals, year-round arts workshops and classes in visual, performing, and literary arts, art day camps, as well as concerts, literary events, social service opportunities, and more. West Windsor Arts offers arts scholarships based on need and partners with local service organizations to break down the barriers to arts education and participation. 

Located at 952 Alexander Rd, Princeton Junction, NJ, West Windsor Arts Center is within walking distance of the Princeton Junction train station. Its primary audience is from central New Jersey, including Princeton and Trenton, but also draws from throughout the region including visitors from the Jersey shore, northern New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania and New York. West Windsor Arts boasts an engaged and diverse membership, including artists, students and patrons who are passionate about local arts and cultural participation.