The American Democracy Project (ADP) is collaborating with the Art Department and the Ben Shahn Galleries to sponsor a Student Poster Vote! 2008 Contest aimed at encouraging students to register and vote.

“This project is inspired by the New Deal-era programs that employed artists to publicize elections and encourage voting. Ben Shahn--one of the great artists from that era--was responsible for a series of such poster art in the 1930s and we want to connect with that tradition,” says Michael Thompson, assistant professor of political science and interim director of ADP.  “It is, in many ways, an attempt to reconnect with that spirit of blending art with public purpose but also, more concretely, to get our students to register to vote and to actually vote in the upcoming election in November.”

“The Ben Shahn Galleries and the Art Department hope to raise student awareness of the presidential race and to encourage students to study the issues, familiarize themselves with the candidates, then register and vote in the November election,” says Nancy Einreinhofer, director of the Ben Shahn Galleries.  “We hope that involvement in the Vote! 2008 Poster Contest will help to enlighten more University students, and we encourage everyone to enter a design.”

The contest is open to all William Paterson students.  One entry is permitted per student; designs must be 13” x 19.”  Prizes will be awarded:  $250 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for third place.  Entries must be submitted to the Ben Shahn Galleries front desk by Friday, February 29.  All entries will be exhibited in the University Commons from March 4 through 14; an awards ceremony will be held on March 6.  The winning poster will be reproduced for distribution on campus in the fall.

For information on the contest, contact the Ben Shahn Galleries at 973-720-2654.