2026 Keyport GardenWalk Art Contest

Congratulations to the First place 2026 Keyport GardenWalk  Art Contest Winner, Melody Sacconei!  This piece is titled "Garden's Helper."

This piece celebrates New Jersey’s pollinators and the vital role they play in sustaining both cultivated gardens and wild landscapes across the state. Pollinators—including bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and hummingbirds—are essential to the health of our ecosystems, helping plants reproduce by transferring pollen from flower to flower. In New Jersey, these hardworking species support the growth of native plants, vegetables, fruits, and countless flowering gardens that bring beauty and biodiversity to our communities.

The artist chose to highlight the bumblebee alongside the beloved Black-eyed Susan, a native wildflower commonly found throughout New Jersey meadows and gardens. Together they embody the spirit of pollination in our region: resilience, harmony, and the quiet but powerful relationship between plants and the creatures that sustain them. Through this pairing, the artwork honors the small yet mighty pollinators whose daily work helps our gardens—and our environment—continue to thrive.

Congratulations to the 2nd place 2026 Keyport GardenWalk  Art Contest Winner, Bobbie Carey! This piece is titled "By The Bay."

An original oil painting capturing the quiet magic of a late afternoon along the Keyport waterfront. A garden path winds through vibrant flowers in full bloom, their colors glowing warmly in the soft golden light. Beyond the blossoms, the tranquil bay stretches toward the horizon where sailboats drift peacefully across the water. Gentle clouds reflect the fading sun, creating a calm and luminous sky. This piece celebrates the harmony between garden and shoreline—where colorful flowers meet the serene beauty of the bay, evoking the peaceful spirit of Keyport.

Congratulations to the 3rd place 2026 Keyport GardenWalk  Art Contest Winner, Sherry Dellaria-McGrath "Tranquility."

This original piece captures a quiet moment in nature. A soft pink waterlily rests peacefully on its floating pad while cattails rise gently through the grasses, framing the still water below. Above, three dragonflies shimmer with delicate sparkle accents as they glide across a mosaic-inspired sky.

The intricate background pattern evokes the feeling of stained glass or natural cellular structures found in water and plants, creating a sense of movement and connection throughout the scene. Each element reflects the delicate balance of nature—where water, plants, and pollinators exist in quiet rhythm.

Created on Bristol board using ink, watercolor pencils, and sparkling trim accents on the dragonflies, the piece blends fine linework with soft color to evoke both structure and serenity.

A celebration of the peaceful beauty of water, plants, and the graceful dragonflies that dance above them.

Submission Deadline is March 1st

• All Mediums Welcome
• One Entry Per Artist 
• Original Art Work Only

Submission GuidelinesHigh Resolution

• Jpeg
• Not to exceed 1600 pixels/1MB
• Fill out KGW art application
• Submit entry form and artwork  to KeyportGardenWalk@gmail.com 

Submissions will be judged by a panel of qualified judges.

• Winner will be notified by March 15th Submissions will be judged by a panel of qualified judges.
• Winner will be notified by March 15th

Congratulations to the First place 2025 Keyport GardenWalk  Art Contest Winner, Lori Chigurupati!  This piece is titled "Bayshore Dreams.". 

Lori is a former resident of Keyport, NJ, whose artistic endeavors are deeply influenced by her experiences in the community. A dedicated painter, her artwork encapsulates the beauty and lasting memories associated with Keyport. As an IT professional, she effectively balances her career with quality family time while continuously seeking to refine her painting skills during her leisure hours. This year, she has created an acrylic piece titled "Bayshore Dreams," which aims to capture the dynamic movement of leaves, sky, and water, embodying the energy and tranquility of a Keyport sunset. Lori finds great joy in painting, viewing it as an ongoing journey of personal growth and creative expression.

Congratulations to the 2nd place 2025 Keyport GardenWalk  Art Contest Winner, Charissa Massas! 

This piece is titled "Keyport Gazebo."

The Keyport Gazebo has become a symbol of the community's cultural identity. As Charissa engages in plein air painting of this landmark, she fosters meaningful interactions with local residents, deepening her connection to both the space and the town we cherish. It is inspiring to hear the stories of long-time residents as she captures the breathtaking waterfront views.

Congratulations to the 3rd place 2025 Keyport GardenWalk  Art Contest Winner, Ethel T. Grewen "Butterfly Belle"

In a captivating display of elegance, Butterfly Belle has gracefully landed upon a stunning garden bloom, seeking the admiration of onlookers.

Congratulations to the 2024 Keyport GardenWalk  Art Contest Winner, Mindy Curran! 

This piece is titled "On the Menu" and features a Goldfinch feasting in a garden. 

Mindy is a NJ based artist, who studied at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where she focused on printmaking and ceramics. She has since cultivated a love of drawing and painting, inspired by the natural world, integrating observation with bold use of pattern and color.

You can learn more about her art by visiting

https://mindy-curran.pixels.com/

We had an unprecedented number of entries this year, and we would like to extend our deepest gratitude and thanks to everyone who participated in this year's GardenWalk Art Contest! 

And to all our GardenWalk fans, we can't wait to see you in our gardens in June!

Stay tuned for updates on our 2024 event features!

Keyport GardenWalk 2023 is proud to honor the artwork, dedication, and legacy of beloved Keyport, NJ resident, Elizabeth Marie Erickson Walling. Mrs. Elizabeth Walling was a longtime resident of Keyport, NJ. She was called to pursue a career as an educator and served in the Keyport, NJ school district for over 40 years. After her retirement from teaching in 2002, Mrs. Walling discovered a passion for the arts, when she began taking classes at the Keyport Senior Center. In the spirit of Mrs. Walling’s legacy, remember that Kindness Matters. As you walk the gardens at Keyport GardenWalk, ask some gardeners if they have their own stories of Mrs. Walling. We want to remember her where she was happiest, in the garden. Written by Keyport Garden Club Trustee, Xan Yanosh. With Special notes and insight from Keyport Garden Club Member and Dear Friend of Elizabeth Walling,Carole Grabowski

The Keyport GardenWalk Art Contest Committee gratefully received many beautiful, inspiring entries, making this another extremely difficult year for the judges. Garden by the Sidewalk and 11 other runners up will be featured in notecards. 

The Keyport Garden Club, sponsors of Keyport GardenWalk, deeply appreciate the artists who share their talent each year as part of the Keyport Garden Walk Art Contest. 

Garden by the Sidewalk, the lovely acrylic painting by Monica Nask pictured at right, was selected to be face of Keyport GardenWalk 2021.  As is the tradition, the winning artwork has been used in the official 2021 Keyport Garden Walk poster and promotional materials.   

Keyport GardenWalk 2021 is again virtual this year, and opened on this website and YouTube on June 5th 2021. 

Learn more about artist Monica Nask and see more of her art on her website. Her paintings are  also featured in the "Of The Earth" exhibit at The Gallery at Thompson Park Creative Arts Center, Lincroft, through April 24th.

The Keyport GardenWalk Art Contest Committee gratefully received many beautiful, inspiring entries, making this another extremely difficult year for the judges. Garden by the Sidewalk and 11 other runners up will be featured in notecards. 

The Keyport Garden Club, sponsors of Keyport GardenWalk, deeply appreciate the artists who share their talent each year as part of the Keyport Garden Walk Art Contest.