Waves Across Time

At the meeting of ocean and bay, Sandy Hook stands as a landscape shaped by centuries of change — a place where tides and time weave together the echoes of history and the spirit of renewal.

Once a critical coastal battlement, fortified with gun batteries and vigilant officers, Sandy Hook has transformed into a sanctuary: a refuge for wildlife, beach-goers, and the ever-shifting dunes themselves, and home to research and educational facilities. What was once a place of defense is now a place of discovery and restoration — where weathered concrete yields to wildflowers, and a historic lighthouse guides not warships, but families seeking the timeless solace of the shore.

Through the eyes of exhibiting artists, Waves Across Time seeks to capture the enduring beauty and layered story of this beloved peninsula, where the strength of the past and the freedom of the present and everything in-between intertwines beneath wide open skies.

Exhibition dates: June 22, 2026 - August 7, 2026

Waves Across Time

Pollak Gallery | Monmouth University Center for the Arts

At the meeting of ocean and bay, Sandy Hook stands as a landscape shaped by centuries of change — a place where tides and time weave together the echoes of history and the spirit of renewal.

Once a critical coastal battlement, fortified with gun batteries and vigilant officers, Sandy Hook has transformed into a sanctuary: a refuge for wildlife, beach-goers, and the ever-shifting dunes themselves. What was once a place of defense is now a place of discovery and restoration — where weathered concrete yields to wildflowers, and a historic lighthouse guides not warships, but families seeking the timeless solace of the shore. It's also home to NOAA Fisheries, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST), and several other research facilities that benefit from its unique location.   

Through the eyes of exhibiting artists, Waves Across Time seeks to capture the enduring beauty and historical significance of this beloved peninsula reflecting on the Past and the Present. Where battlements once stood, wildflowers bloom. From stronghold to sanctuary history sleeps beneath a canopy of salt air and sky.

Artists can submit 6 to 10 images of their work for consideration. Accepted mediums include: paintings, original prints, small sculptures, photography, mosaic, textile, mixed media, digital art, video, jewelry made from found objects on Sandy Hook presented as fine art will be considered, small installations will also be considered based upon their size and gallery space limitations.

All artwork MUST be “professionally” framed and wired for hanging. No saw tooth hangers or D-rings (as the main hanging apparatus) or cheap light weight frames are acceptable. Watercolors, prints, photographs, mixed media and similar art must be glazed. Sculptures must be stable and have their own pedestals.

Entry fee: $30.00 (for up to 10 submissions)  

Exhibition dates: June 22, 2026 - August 7, 2026

Artist's of all ages are encouraged to enter their work. Preference will be given to work that embodies the call-for-entries outlined above and is presented in a professional manner. Artwork must be OF or inspired by Sandy Hook (example of inspired by: a painting or photograph of Sandy Hook - not a similar geographic location.) Individuals familiar with the topography of Sandy Hook will jury this exhibition.      

Entry Requirements:

·      Submissions must be entered through CAFE and should include: artist narrative, images/media of each piece, artist bio and entry fee.

·      Entry fee is $30 

·      Each artist may submit up to 6-10 artworks/films

       Deadline for entries is April 1, 2026. Artists will be notifed by May 1, 2026.

·      A short artist statement should accompany each submission identifying its location or significance or what inspired you to capture it in time? 

·       Mediums accepted include: paintings, original prints, small sculptures, photography, mosaic, textile, mixed media, digital art, video, jewelry made from found objects on Sandy Hook presented as fine art will be considered, small installations will also be considered based upon their size and gallery space limitations.

·       Shipping/drop-off of accepted work to Monmouth University is the responsibility of artist. All artwork MUST be “professionally” framed and wired for hanging. No saw tooth hangers or D-rings (as the main hanging apparatus) or cheap light weight frames are acceptable. Watercolors, prints, photographs, mixed media and similar art must be glazed. Sculptures must be stable and have their own pedestals.