Another Great Year for Union County, NJ

For the ninth year, Coordinator Libby Reid ran an excellent National Arts Program® exhibition for the employees of Union County and their family members. Always heavily supported by the local Freeholders, Libby had several as guest speakers during the awards reception. NAP Executive Director, Jackie Szafara, also spoke and urged all the artists to upload their artwork to the National Arts Program® artist gallery of the new website to allow others to view their work. Artists who have uploaded to the NAP site and have linked themselves to a venue, now appear randomly on venue’s homepage of the website. Jackie also thanked Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski for her continued support and reiterated how, across the country, administrations have not been supporting the arts.

In addition, a large number of participants were in attendance at the reception held on May 5th, many of whom were from the same family. First time Best of Show winner, Angelo Paparella was joined by his daughters when receiving his award. Mary Paynter was surrounded by her family including her sister who works for the Union County Parks & Community Renewal when she accepted her First Place award in the Professional category. This is truly what the NAP program is all about!

"Untitled" by Charlene Rieger-Velli was the first Union County participant to upload her artwork to the NAP website.