HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 2, 2017 — (PRNewswire) — The State Museum of Pennsylvania and Jump Street invite artists from across Pennsylvania to apply by Tuesday, February 28 for the opportunity to exhibit their work in Art of the State^®: Pennsylvania 2017. Celebrating its 50th year, Art of the State® is the annual, juried exhibition held at The State Museum of Pennsylvania. With an established tradition of exhibiting highly creative art chosen by a distinguished panel of jurors, Art of the State is open to Pennsylvania artists and craftspeople.

The exhibition will run from June 11 to September 10 at The State Museum in Harrisburg.

Artists who are Pennsylvania residents will compete in five categories: Painting, Work on Paper, Photography, Sculpture and Craft.

"I encourage artists from across the Commonwealth to apply to have their work exhibited as part of this year's Art of the State competition," said First Lady Frances Wolf. "Pennsylvania is home to some of the most diverse and creative art talent in the nation and Art of the State is an excellent opportunity to showcase that talent. I commend the State Museum and Jump Street for their ongoing commitment and dedication to highlighting Pennsylvania artists and artwork."

Entries are submitted online. Information is available online at www.statemuseumpa.org, click on 2017 Art of the State Entries in the "Quick Links" at the bottom of the homepage. The application deadline is February 28.

Exhibit jurors include:

Painting and Work on Paper:
Carla Bengtson  
Department Head of Art and Ann Swindells Chair  
University of Oregon 

Photography:
Ian Cofre  
Independent curator/writer  
New York City

Three-dimensional Craft and Sculpture:
Jeffery Mongrain  
Professor of Art / Clay and Casting 
Hunter College 

Art of the State: Pennsylvania 2016 Awards Juror:
Richard Torchia  
Arcadia University Art Gallery, Director 

More than $7,000 in cash awards will be presented at an opening reception at The State Museum on Sunday, June 11. A first prize of $500, second prize of $300 and third prize of $200 will be awarded in each of the five categories. The William D. David Memorial Award for Drawing, in the amount of $250, will also be presented.

The State Museum will select one of the pieces of art for its permanent collection awarding the artist a $2,000 Purchase Prize.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania and Jump Street sponsor the Art of the State exhibition.

Jump Street, a non-profit arts organization, has been serving the Capital Region for over 38 years, providing arts programs for students and adults; arts grants to artists and organizations throughout the state of Pennsylvania; arts-based community service programs; and technical assistance to artists and organizations.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania, adjacent to the State Capitol in Harrisburg, is one of 24 historic sites and museums administered by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission as part of the Pennsylvania Trails of History. The State Museum offers expansive collections interpreting Pennsylvania's fascinating heritage. With exhibits examining the dawn of geologic time, the Native American experience, the colonial and revolutionary era, a pivotal Civil War battleground, and the Commonwealth's vast industrial age, The State Museum demonstrates that Pennsylvania's story is America's story.

For more information or to enter, visit www.statemuseumpa.org.

Media Contact: Howard Pollman, 717-705-8639

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SOURCE Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

Contact:

Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Jump Street Web: http://www.phmc.state.pa.us