The WAE Open – 2026

Heidi Gallery at JSDD is proud to announce the annual juried exhibition,
The WAE Open – 2026.

The gallery is committed to showcasing the highest quality visual art created by established, emerging, and underrepresented artists. Established in 2021 as a key component of the state-of-the-art facility of JSDD, Heidi Gallery is focused on bringing artists and the public together to experience art and arts education while fostering a fully inclusive community.

The WAE Open is not thematic; rather, we invite artists of all disciplines and backgrounds to share their voice and vision with us. We are seeking work that reflects excellence, authenticity, and bold imagination.

ALL entries will be featured in a digital exhibition which will run concurrently with the physical exhibit chosen by the jurors.

Heidi Gallery, located at 310 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston, NJ, is 2,000 square feet of light filled space with adaptive walls, thus allowing for the broadest range and diversity of media.

Jurors

Sharnita Johnson

Sharnita Johnson is the Victoria Foundation’s VP of Strategy, Impact and Communications. This involves the development and implementation of grantmaking, success measures and communications. Most recently, Johnson served as the Arts Director at the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, where she led state-wide grantmaking focused on arts, equity and creative placemaking. She has also worked for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Skillman Foundation, the Ruth Mott Foundation, and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. Johnson sits on the boards of the 1772 Foundation, Artyard, the Children’s Theater Foundation, and the Revolve Fund. An avid art collector, she is involved in the local arts scene in New Jersey and is a member of the Orange Arts Council. Johnson is a native of Michigan and earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. She currently resides in Essex County, New Jersey.

Joel Tidy

Joel Tidy is a contemporary artist and art educator based in Essex County, New Jersey. His inspiration ranges from figurative to industrial design. He believes that “it’s not about the subject matter that is important, rather it’s the undercurrent that can convey a deeper layer of meaning and philosophical truth.” Graduating from the Art Institute of Philadelphia, Tidey started his career as an illustrator. However, his interest shifted towards fine art and in particular painting oil. He is an invited member of the Salmagundi Club in NYC and has received the Martin Hannon Memorial award and the Salmagundi En Plein Air painting award. Most recently, Tidey has found a passion for arts education. He teaches classes in figure Drawing, artistic anatomy and painting at the New Jersey Center of Visual Arts.

Jurors: Sharnita Johnson and Joel Tidey

Eligibility: Open to artists living or working in NJ, NY, PA and CT.
Entry Fee: $35 non-refundable.
Cash Award: $500 – Best in Show, Awarded at the Opening Reception on October 8, 2026.

Opening Reception and Award

Thursday, October 8, 2026: 6pm – 9pm

Ekphrastic Poetry Performance

Sunday, November 1, 2026: 2pm – 4pm
RSVP Encouraged. Free and Open to the Public

Poetry Inspired by The WAE Open

Local writers present original poems inspired by the dynamic works of art featured in The WAE Open. Each poet brings a distinct perspective, translating visual impressions into language, rhythm, and performance.

This unique format highlights the connection between:

Visual art and creative interpretation
Spoken word and live performance
Individual reflection and shared experience

The result is an exciting, unexpected art form that brings together language, performance, and visual art in a powerful creative exchange.

Coordinated by award-winning poet, teaching-artist, and founder of The Write Space writing community, Marcia LeBeau will curate this live performance.

Ekphrastic Poetry Workshop

Sunday, November 15, 2026: 2pm-4pm

$20 by November 1, 2026
$30 After November 1, 2026
Free to Heidi Gallery Artist Members
RSVP Required

Join us for a creative workshop in the Heidi Gallery, where participants will use original artwork as inspiration to write their own ekphrastic poems—poems inspired by another work of art. Together, we will look at examples of ekphrastic poetry and explore guided prompts designed to spark imagination, expand participants’ thinking, and invite personal expression. Participants will then have dedicated time to write in response to the gallery’s artwork. At the end of the workshop, those who wish to may share their work with the group in a supportive, voluntary setting.

Facilitated by Marcia LeBeau.

Closing Reception and Artist Insights

Sunday, December 6, 2026: 2pm – 4pm

Important Dates

Art Drop Off Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026: 10am – 12pm
Opening Reception and Award: Thursday, October 8, 2026: 6pm – 9pm
Ekphrastic Poetry Performance: Sunday, November 1: 2pm – 4pm in Heidi Gallery
Ekphrastic Poetry Workshop: Sunday, November 15: 2pm – 4pm in Heidi Gallery
Closing Reception and Artist Insights: Sunday, December 6, 2026: 2pm – 4pm

Entry Instructions

Online entry only
1-3 images (3 pieces maximum)
All mediums accepted including installations
Three views of 3D work will be allowed
For JPEG file format images. Files should be a minimum size of 1920 pixels on the longest side.
- Digital images should be cropped to show only your artwork.
- If edges are irregular, it is best to photograph against a black background.
Submit work that will be available for the duration of the exhibition.
- ABSOLUTELY NO SUBSTITUTIONS will be accepted after selections are finalized.
No gicleé reproductions of original art accepted.
All work should be dated and produced in the last three years.
ALL WORK MUST BE FOR SALE

Specifications

2D work: Maximum of 36′ wide x 42′ high, not to exceed 30lbs.
ALL WALL HUNG ART MUST BE PROPERLY WIRED FOR HANGING; no saw-tooth hangers.
Stretched canvas may have finished painted edges or strip framing. No large decorative frames.
- Gallery format framing preferred.
Sculpture: not exceeding two (2) feet in any direction. Artists may be asked to supply their own pedestals, if necessary.
Floor installation: Maximum 4ft square, not exceeding 50lbs.
Work not conforming to submission requirements will be rejected.

Instructions for Accepted Entrants

With acceptance, the artist agrees to write and record an audio description no longer than 60 seconds in length. This audio descriptor will be available to all gallery visitors.

Delivery of Artwork by Hand

Saturday, October 3, 2026: 10am – 12pm
Artist to remove all packaging.

Exhibition Dates

October 8, 2026 to December 6, 2026

Opening Reception and Award

Thursday, October 8, 2026: 6pm – 9pm

Closing Reception, Artist Walk & Talk

Sunday, December 6, 2026: 2pm – 4pm

Pickup of Unsold Artwork

Sunday, December 6, 2026: 4pm – 5pm

Gallery Hours

Monday – Friday, 9:30 am – 4:30pm and by appointment.
Contact the Gallery at 973.272.7148

Terms of Entry for Entrants

Liability

Heidi Gallery at JSDD (‘Gallery’) does not provide insurance for theft, loss, or damage of artwork while artwork is on the premises or in transit. Artists must provide their own insurance. The Gallery will make every possible effort to handle all artwork with care and respect.