Exhibits & Events

STUDIO MONTCLAIR PRESENTS

“VIEWPOINTS 2026”

AN EXHIBITION AT STUDIO MONTCLAIR’S LEACH GALLERY

April 24 to June 5, 2026

Montclair, NJ, (April 2026) – Studio Montclair takes great pleasure in heralding one of its most highly anticipated exhibits, the 29^th Annual Open Juried Exhibition, “Viewpoints 2026.” This prestigious exhibit will run from April 24 to June 5 at Studio Montclair’s Leach Gallery, 641 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ. The opening reception and announcement of cash awards will take place on Friday, April 24, from 6 to 8pm.

The exhibition—presenting artworks selected from hundreds of noteworthy submissions—provides a window into the defining intellectual, moral, and cultural themes of today. According to Juror Jeanne Brasile, “Much of the art shares a through line of humor, others champion the banal – and while there are many abstract artworks in the mix – there is a noticeable increase in the number of figurative artworks. This may reflect people’s thirst for connection after years of screens and social distancing. Other artists transmit their concerns about the environment, discrimination, racism, sexism, and war. Many artworks embody a surreal quality that reflects today’s uncertain state of affairs.”

The exhibit juxtaposes works using modest materials--demonstrating the creative value of everyday objects or discarded items--with creations employing traditional artistic mediums. Says Brasile, “Some approach the realm of alchemy with their materials and techniques. There are those that choose humble materials transformed not by chemical reactions, but by artistic vision and the audacity to see something of worth in the discarded. Others continue to use time-honored techniques, while some prefer a more experimental approach.” A kaleidoscope of styles and subject matter will provide every viewer with an opportunity to experience contemplation and delight.

About the Juror:

Jeanne Brasile is currently the Executive Director at the Hunterdon Art Museum. She has curated exhibitions at Index Art Center, SITE Festival/Arts in Bushwick, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, The Walsh Gallery at Seton Hall University and the Tony Smith Sculpture Project. She earned her B.A. in art history/studio art from Ramapo College of New Jersey and her M.A. in Museum Studies at Seton Hall University. Brasile’s curatorial practice is focused on working with emerging and mid-career artists in non-profit venues. She is particularly engaged in developing exhibitions outside the white cube with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches to curating and art-making. This approach is enhanced by her roles as an educator, arts advocate, writer and artist. She is most interested in developing exhibitions that engage non-traditional audiences while challenging viewers to re-think their perceptions about art and the role of the museum/gallery.

Participating Artists:

Daji Adami, Kate Albright, Nafeesah Allen, Ann Antoshak, Roxanne Baechler, Jill Bender, Terri Binder, Virginia Schaffer Block, Janet Boltax, Victoria Bradley, Nova Bronstein, Jacqueline Buck Donadeo, Margaret Cameron, Corrine Carr, Cal Carter, Elyse Carter, Pauline Chernichaw, Dennis Connors, Robin Cross-Keller, Steven Cummings, Joanne Curi, Alison Deas, Joan Diamond, Circe Dunnell, Hugh Dwyer, Anya Ellia, Erica Engfer Pizza, Lenore Fiore-Mills, Dail Fried, Jon Gabry, Roger Generazzo, Sean Gillis, Lydia Gladkova, Ben Goldman, John Gonell, Kathleen A. Greco, Angela Greene, Andrea Grillo, John Gummere, Geri Hahn, Beth Heit, Susan Hensel, Linda Brooks Hirschman, Linda Jacobs, Caren King Choi, Megan Klim, Michelle Kurlan Schneider, Maria Lupo, Stephen March, Denise Marshall, Jen Martin, Thomas Martin, John Masi, Patrick McCoy, Charlie McIlvane, Bud McNichol, Len Merlo, Sarah Miani, Jennifer Myhre, Martina Nevado, Paulina Olivares, Denis Orloff, Deborah Pohl, Gail Postal, Amy Putman, Sonia Rapaport, Steve Rappaport, Robert Richardson, Cassie Rodrigues, Akil Roper, Michael Scherfen, Veronica Rose Snead, Nicholas Spindler, Nette Forne Thomas, Dawn Tighe, Sarah Valinezhad Zarnaghi, Amy Wax, Sonia Yaco, Kosuke Yuki, Zak Zablow, Sam Zanger

Listing Information for the Exhibition:
Exhibition Dates: April 24 to June 5 2025

Gallery: Studio Montclair’s Leach Gallery, 641 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ
Gallery Hours: Thursday to Sunday, 1:00 - 5:00pm.
Opening Reception: Friday, April 24, 6-8pm
Studio Montclair Contact Info:  smi@studiomontclair.org, 862-500-1447

About Studio Montclair: Studio Montclair is a nonprofit organization of exhibiting professional artists and others interested in the visual arts. Its mission is to promote culture and education in the visual arts and encourage emerging artists. Founded in 1997, the organization includes over 450 members including artists from around the United States, as well as Europe and Asia. For more information, contact smi@studiomontclair.org, or call 862-500-1447.