Morristown, NJ - The Morris Museum will proudly present the contemporary works of eighteen New Jersey artists in the exhibition, The New Jersey Arts Annual: Crafts, from October 7, 2006 through January 7, 2007.

Artists living or working in New Jersey were invited to submit entries. A jury, comprised of Stacy C. Hollander, senior curator/director of exhibitions at the American Folk Art Museum; Anne Q. McKeown, master papermaker at Rutgers Center for Innovative Print and Paper; and Laura Galvanek, former curator of exhibitions at the Morris Museum, selected a diverse group of work that exemplifies not only the multiplicity of New Jersey artists, but also the ever-changing and expanding definition of crafts.

“That a jacket or hat can be created from the same knitted, felted fabric as a wall-hung work is testament to the multiplicity of fiber; I love working in the craft medium, as the opportunity for innovation and experimentation is limitless!” said Susan Spencer Reckford, a participating Crafts artist.  “Having my piece selected by these distinguished jurors and then being able to see it displayed alongside the work of other accomplished artists will propel me into my next project.”

The works to be included will display a broad range of mediums from the more traditional such as glass, silver and stoneware to more unique materials, including bamboo, salvaged textiles, paoauk and leopard wood.

“The Morris Museum is delighted to present this year’s New Jersey Arts Annual,” said Steve Miller, executive director.  “The process of selecting the most recent innovative or traditional, practical or pleasing craft is a challenge in a state so rich in creative practitioners of an ancient art. I think you will agree that the jurors for this year’s exhibition did a superior job.”

This series of exhibitions is co-sponsored by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; Montclair Art Museum, The Newark Museum, Morris Museum, New Jersey State Museum, Jersey City Museum and The Noyes Museum of Art.

Founded in 1913, the Morris Museum explores and celebrates the arts, sciences and humanities through exhibitions, educational programs, performing arts and special events.  The museum serves over 200,000 adults and children each year.

The Morris Museum, located at 6 Normandy Heights Road (at the corner of Columbia Turnpike) in Morristown, NJ. Visit : morrismuseum.org