Youth and adults of the Paterson Diocese and beyond are invited to let their imaginations soar by creating inspiring artworks that express the Jubilee 2025 theme of “Hope” as part of a special category in a broader competition during the 24th Annual Festival of the Arts. The festival will be held from Thursday to Sunday, April 3 to 6, in the gym of the former school of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in the Haskell neighborhood of Wanaque.
In celebration of its Jubilee of Artists, the diocese is partnering for the first year with the festival, which draws hundreds of artists of all ages from the Tri-State area and beyond. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney will present the Jubilee awards to the winning artists after his welcome and blessing on opening night. This year’s festival theme is “Flight.”
Contestants — adults, young adults, and youth, K-12 — are encouraged to submit a piece of art that best exemplifies the concept of hope in honor of the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025, which the Universal Church is currently celebrating. The “Hope” competition category includes fine arts (any medium), photography, and original poetry.
These “Hope” artworks could respond to questions such as “What gives you hope amid trial and uncertainty?” and “How do you experience hope?” and, in turn, inspire others with this timeless joy and hope.
Artists are also welcome to submit work for any of the Annual Festival of the Arts’ many other categories. This year, a spotlight award will be given for works depicting artistic interpretations of “Flight.”
The application deadline is when festival organizers receive its 700-piece limit or March 10 — whichever comes first.
For information about the festival or application requirements, visit www.annualartfest.org. For questions, email Linda Zani Thomas, exhibition coordinator, at lindazanithomas@gmail.com
