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 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.

Important Dates

Submissions Open: June 8, 2026
Submission Deadline: August 8, 2026
Artist Notification: August 24, 2026
Art Drop Off Date: October 3, 2026: 10am – 12pm

Opening Reception and Award

Thursday, October 8, 2026: 6pm – 9pm

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.