Purchase Award 2006: "Farmers Market" Pastel by Ben Cohen
Exhibitions of works by Burlington County artists have been an integral part of the annual Arts in the Park festival (originally known as "Arts in Residence" and then "Festival of the Arts") since 1976, when the historic Smithville Mansion was first opened to the public. Art by invited county artists hung in the hallways and second-floor rooms, while works by local artisans were displayed throughout the annex and in the courtyards. In 1977, a juried exhibit was held in conjunction with the annual festival, which continues to this day.
The Art Purchase Award Program was initiated in 1986 with a separate exhibit, "Smithville as Subject", to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Festival of the Arts. A $500 purchase prize was made available by the Board of Chosen Freeholders. It was awarded by a panel of judges given the responsibility of selecting one or more pieces to hang in the foyer of the County's new Buttonwood Hospital in Pemberton. Artists responded with many quality paintings. Three watercolors were chosen.
In 1987, the Freeholder Board funded a $500 purchase award to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. The piece selected was to hang in the new Courts Facility.
In 1988, purchase awards were made available for the biennial Juried Photography Show. The Awards Program was now an established part of the juried exhibits held at Smithville Mansion, and fine examples of various styles, subjects and mediums were selected on a yearly basis. Burlington County has taken its place with other counties in New Jersey, which had developed permanent collections.
Seventy-three works of art are currently being displayed, on a rotating basis, in various offices and public spaces in county government for the enjoyment of employees and visitors. The collection is administered by the Burlington County Division of Cultural Affairs & Tourism.
View the Collection (coming soon)
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