of the people - works on paper

The Stedman Gallery of Rutgers–Camden Center for the Arts is pleased to announce a national call for submissions of works on paper for the exhibition Of the People. Coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary and Rutgers University–Camden’s centennial anniversary, this exhibition will celebrate the Stedman Gallery’s commitment to advancing contemporary American artists.

Theme

The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence has inspired people across the country to reflect on the meaning of American democracy. The Stedman Gallery invites artists to participate in this moment of contemplation and respond to the question: what does American democracy mean to you? Artists are encouraged to consider the contemporary moment, take risks in their responses, and express their creative freedoms.

This exhibition recalls the foundational practices of the Stedman Gallery and the Rutgers–Camden Collection of Art. The inaugural exhibition for the gallery in 1975 was the Rutgers National Drawing Competition. Due to the success of this first exhibition, it became a biennial exhibition. Former jurors include Louise Bourgeois, Nancy Graves, Lee Bontecou, Ilya Bolotowsky, Lisa Phillips, Ned Rifkin, Leon Golub, Faith Ringgold, Elizabeth Sussman, and Lowery Stokes Sims. In 1981, the Rutgers National Competition widened its scope from drawings to works on paper. The Rutgers–Camden Center of the Arts seeks to continue this legacy in celebration of the gallery’s 50th anniversary.

Exhibition Requirements

Concept

• Works must conceptually connect to the exhibition theme.

Medium

• Works on paper. These works may include and are not limited to paintings and drawings on paper, photographs, prints, mylar, etc.

Work Requirements

• Work must be original in concept and execution.
• Work is finalized and available for the transport dates and full exhibition run.

Quantity

• Up to 7 works may be submitted.

Installation-Ready Work

• Work must be suitably prepared for installation with instructions.

Calendar

January 6-9, 2026

The artist ships or delivers accepted work to the Stedman Gallery located in Camden, NJ**.** The artist will coordinate with RCCA staff to make professional shipping arrangements.

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Exhibition Opening Reception & Award Presentation.

January 20-March 28, 2026

Exhibition run. A complete list of programs will be available on the exhibition website, RCCA social media platforms, and newsletter as soon as confirmed. Artists selected to exhibit may be asked to participate in gallery programming.

April 6-8, 2026

Work shipped back to artists or must be picked up by April 8, 2026.