HARRISBURG — The 57th annual Art of the State exhibition, a juried competition that showcases artists from across Pennsylvania, announced the finalists for its upcoming exhibition, which starts on Sunday, Sept. 8, at the State Museum of Pennsylvania.
“Now in its 57th year, Art of the State has become a cornerstone in the Pennsylvania art scene. The exhibition offers a captivating glimpse into the Commonwealth’s rich artistic heritage, featuring works that span painting, photography/digital media, craft, sculpture and works on paper,” a statement from the State Museum of Pennsylvania shared.
The exhibition will feature 96 artists from 28 counties in Pennsylvania. Of the 96 artists, three are from Centre County.
Stephen Althouse, of Rebersburg, was selected for his archival pigment print “Broken Shovel”; Anni Matsick, of Boalsburg, was selected for her watercolor “Inside/Outside”; and Stephen Tuttle, of Warriors Mark, was selected for his lathe-turned work in maple “Paths.”
The finalists, including the three Centre County artists, were selected from 2,200 entries submitted by more than 600 artists.
The Art of the State exhibition is “presented by The State Museum of Pennsylvania in partnership with the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation, a nonprofit partner of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, dedicated to preserving and sharing the Commonwealth’s rich history,” according to the statement.
Exhibition winners will be selected from a panel of jurors including Marc Jacobson, professor emeritus of the Herron School of Art and Design at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis; Jennifer-Navva Milliken, executive director and chief curator of the Museum for Art in Wood; and Eric Sung, artist and professor of art and photography at Providence College. Jim Toia, artist and curator/executive director at Karl Stirner Art Trail and director of community-based teaching at Lafayette College, will serve as the awards juror.
Cash awards totaling $5,300 will be given to artists featured in the exhibit. In each of the five medium categories, a first prize of $500, a second prize of $300 and a third prize of $200 will be presented.
“The public is invited to experience the finalists’ creations at The State Museum of Pennsylvania starting Sunday, Sept. 8, coinciding with Harrisburg’s Gallery Walk. Admission is free on opening day. The exhibition will remain on display through Jan. 5, 2025,” the statement shared. Winners will be announced after the opening of the exhibit.
