New Jersey Highways Make A Great Art Gallery

At least, according to the folks over at Palisades Insurance Agency (strictly auto insurance, strictly for New Jersey). They're launching a campaign to put all kinds of New Jersey artwork on billboards throughout New Jersey. I, for one, am thrilled. I prefer images of lakes and parks to cheesy ads for 'gentleman's clubs'. Original paintings, drawings, photography and mixed media will all be accepted in digital format. Young and old, kindergarteners and skilled masters alike--all are welcome. Entries will be showcased in an online gallery, and visitors to the website will be able to vote for their favorite entries starting on July 14th.

Based on the number of votes as of August 7th, up to a dozen submissions will be selected for reproduction onto billboards on major highways and roadways in Bergen, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Burlington, Mercer, Ocean, Somerset and Atlantic Counties. (What, no Essex?)

The competition will run from July 13th until August 7th. Voting will begin on July 14th, so artists are encouraged to submit early. Winners will be announced on August 10th here.

For more information about the Drive with a Smile campaign, the PalisadesHighwayArtGallery program, or to learn how to enter the competition, click the link above -- and New Jersey residents can also follow the competition on the Palisades Facebook page or on Twitter @PalisadesNJ.