A juried art exhibition titled 'Open Air/Open Space' will be on display at the Wayrick Wildlife Art Gallery, located on the second floor of the Schermann Hoffman Nature Center in Somerset County, New Jersey, from February 6 through March 25. The show features works by professional and novice plein air artists from New Jersey, celebrating the county's Open Space Preservation Program and its network of public parks.
This exhibition matters because it connects visual art directly to local environmental conservation efforts, highlighting the cultural and recreational value of preserved public lands. By showcasing the beauty of Somerset County's parks through the eyes of local artists, the exhibit reinforces the importance of land preservation and community engagement with nature, serving as a model for how art can support and promote civic initiatives.