Sandy Hook: Artist-In-Residence (AIR) Volunteer

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Gateway NRA - Sandy Hook Seeks Artists to Exhibit!

Gateway National Recreation Area, a unit of the National Park Service (NPS) seeks a volunteer artist to create an exhibit for its gallery within the Fort Hancock Museum Building in the Fort Hancock region of Sandy Hook. The gallery consists of two rooms that were formerly used as jail cells: the left one is 16' x 13' and the right one, 14' x 13' These walls have a hanging system that must be used for the display of two-dimensional works; no nails, screws fixtures or devices may be attached to the walls. The spaces are well lit by an adjustable track lighting system.

Location

Sandy Hook is a barrier spit in Middletown Township in Monmouth County, NJ. The Museum Building, the former

Guardhouse is located in the Fort Hancock National Historic Landmark District of the park. Works of art, photographs, paintings, sculpture; other media, including digital works. Works on paper, canvas, board including photographs, paintings, (oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media) are appropriate for display. All works displayed need to be of size and dimension to be appropriate for the space.

Subject matter, themes, and stories

Exhibits should tell the story of Gateway National Recreation Area and its interpretive themes: Please see details of these themes below.

• The Natural Wonders, Dynamics and Challenges of an Urban Estuary
• Two Centuries of National Defense
• Maritime Heritage
• Recreation and Education: Quality of Life for All Visitors
• In addition to these main themes told by the park other themes and stories are possible, including:
• Birds, mammals, sea life, critters and botany of Gateway: Nature against the backdrop of New Jersey & New York City
• Visitors enjoying and exploring Gateway, or other National Park units
• Communities surrounding the park
• Sustainable design, meteorology, cartography and geographic information will also be considered

Other stories and themes may be told following these guidelines. Each proposal will be considered individually and may be submitted to the committee for approval. Proposals for abstract works may be submitted. Note that the NPS seeks shows that tell a story, have a coherent theme, and hang together as a unit. Collections of works of any media that are "snapshot albums," notebook sketches, or collections of "Sunday paintings" are not permitted. Also, the

exhibit space is for families, so any images or works referring to off-color or controversial ideas, have profanity, nudity or violence in the subject matter will not be approved. All works for exhibit must be of the highest caliber and standard, such as would be created for a senior, graduate or professional show. We are looking for significant work that has a theme and is visually striking and memorable.

How it works and what to do

Artists who are interested in exhibiting must:

1) Apply as a Volunteer on Volunteer.gov

2) Present an abstract with five to ten representative images/works including the interpretive theme or story to be told by emailing the Committee lead: Mikayla_Turner@nps.gov

Upon review the NPS will indicate whether it wishes to proceed with a full exhibit. Solo presenters or groups may apply. If the show is accepted all works must be reviewed and are subject to the prior approval of the NPS (smaller images may be submitted) to exhibiting in the NPS space.

The NPS does not pay for any materials for the creation, mounting, framing or display of any works. All costs for the

exhibit, and its production and promotion as well as a reception, if desired, must be borne by the artists. The NPS will provide hanging mechanisms for the display of two-dimensional works, but all frames, mounts, pedestals and the like are to be provided by the artists. Exhibit period will be approximately three months, and the installation and removal must be done during regular working hours of 9-5. The installation and removal dates will be arranged for each exhibit. All works must be removed at the conclusion of the exhibit period. The NPS will not acquire any works of art whether by gift, sale or purchase.

Exhibitors may have an opening reception on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon for a period of two or three hours but

everything must be cleaned up by 4:30pm. Refreshments may be served; all food and beverage (no alcohol is permitted) must be provided by the artist as well as all clean-up which must be completed by 5pm.

The sale of works on NPS property is prohibited. The presentation of a show does not include the sale of any works.

Prices of works may not be exhibited. Exhibits are presented as interpretive, educational, experiences presented for the visiting public. Artists may leave business card and/or flyer with contact information for visitors who may wish to contact with the artist.

The artist is also required to volunteer once a month to offer a "Meet the Artist" event on a Saturday or Sunday from 1-4:30PM where the general public are able to interact with the artist and learn more about their works.

The National Park Service is not responsible for the loss, theft, and/or damage of artwork.

Start Date - 2025-06-01

End Date - 2025-09-08