“CAPE MAY AT SUNSET”: This work by James Fiorentino is part of the Garden State Watercolor Society’s 55th Annual Open Juried Exhibition, “This Land is Your Land,” on view at D&R Greenway Land Trust’s Johnson Education Center through January 2026.
D&R Greenway Land Trust now hosts the Garden State Watercolor Society (GSWS) for its 55th Annual Open Juried Exhibition, “This Land is Your Land.” Eighty-three GSWS artists explored and illustrated their personal interpretations of the theme from the iconic folk song. Written by Woody Guthrie in 1940, it reflects both the beauty and hardships of America’s local landscape and people. Whether figurative or abstract, realistic or fanciful, their art will inspire and cause the viewers to pause and reflect on America’s land, water, its diverse inhabitants, and ecosystems.
The 69 paintings accepted were from a larger pool of 114 paintings submitted. Juror for acceptance and awards was Mark Oliver. Discover more about his artistic vision at markoliverart.com.
This is the GSWS’ largest exhibition of the year. It is on display through January 4, 2026, as well as online at gswcs.org. Held at D&R Greenway Land Trust’s Johnson Education Center, located at One Preservation Place, the public is invited to visit the art galleries weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed holidays and weekends. Visit drgeenway.org or call (609) 924-4646 for more information.
On display in the Johnson Education Center lobby is “GSWS’ Seventh Annual Art Installation.” While the main exhibition in the upstairs galleries celebrates the American landscape, this year’s wall installation honors the people who live here. Taking inspiration from the first words of the U.S. Constitution, “We the People … Portraits of Us” can be viewed as a collective self-portrait of our nation. A powerful mosaic built from 52 individual portraits, each is a testament to the diverse backgrounds and shared experiences that define us. Created by 40 artists, the installation reminds us that the nation is shaped by its people. Our care for it is a reflection of our care for one another.
Garden State Watercolor Society has led a community of artists and inspired generations of art enthusiasts. The society’s founding goal is to encourage painting in water media and provide educational and exhibition opportunities for artists and residents of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware. For more information, visit gswcs.org.