Rutgers–Camden Center for the Arts Presents “Of the People”
The exhibit features works that consider the meaning of American democracy during the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Camden, NJ – February 4, 2026: Rutgers–Camden Center for the Arts (RCCA) has debuted “Of the People,” an exhibition in recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary, featuring the work of artists from across the United States exploring the meaning of American democracy.
The exhibition will be on display through March 28, 2026, in the Center’s Stedman Gallery (314 Linden Street, Camden, NJ 08102).
The show was juried by Alex Da Corte, an internationally acclaimed Philadelphia-based visual artist; Amanda Sroka, senior curator of the Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; and Laura M. Giles, curator of prints and drawings from the Princeton University Art Museum.
Together, they selected the work of 12 contemporary artists: Olga Alexander, Jamil G. Baldwin, Kumasi Barnett, Megan Christiansen, Ben DuVall, Sharon Harper, Selina Lee, Huaqi Liu, Bo Kim, Meridith McNeal, Henry Rosenberg, and Kiko Thomas.
The artists were invited to respond to the question, “What does American democracy mean to you?” Rooted in both personal reflection and thoughtful inquiry, the pieces on exhibition reflect diverse perspectives on civic life, agency, and the role of democracy in our current cultural moment.
Several free programs will be offered throughout the show’s run. These include artist talks by Kumasi Barnett, whose work is influenced by comic books and subverts the genre with present-day social consciousness; and Meridith McNeal, who will discuss her watercolor series “Inside Outside Windowphilia,” inspired by the wrongful incarceration of her brother and the need for criminal justice reform.
Other free programs offered during the show’s run will include interactive gallery tours, “family days” in the gallery with art-making activities, field trip visits with art-making workshops for K-12 students, older adults, and other groups of learners from across the region, and a published catalog with an essay by visual artist fields harrington and 12 images from the exhibition.
A full listing of events and additional information on the exhibit can be found on the RCCA website.
About Rutgers–Camden Center for the Arts
The Rutgers–Camden Center for the Arts (RCCA) is a public service unit of Rutgers University–Camden dedicated to providing meaningful, accessible arts programming for both the campus and the surrounding community. RCCA oversees the Stedman Gallery, a visual arts exhibition space that hosts four shows per year, focused on living or historically significant artists whose lives or work speak to the campus and South Jersey communities. RCCA partners with campus departments, as well as schools and community agencies from Camden and the South Jersey region, to deliver hands-on, exhibitions-based arts education to people of all ages and abilities. RCCA is supported by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, The National Endowment for the Arts, Arts Midwest, and individual donors.
About Rutgers University–Camden
Rutgers University–Camden is a hub of academic excellence and innovation, consistently ranked among the nation’s top public colleges and universities. Proudly recognized as one of the safest campuses in the region, the university is located in the “eds and meds” district of Camden, NJ—a city known for its cultural and historic attractions, vibrant arts community, renowned healthcare institutions, and headquarters of internationally recognized corporations. The campus offers a welcoming and engaging learning environment for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. Just minutes from Center City Philadelphia—home to a thriving business district and a dynamic cultural scene—the campus also benefits from an array of transportation options for easy access in and around the city.
Home to approximately 6,000 students and more than 1,500 faculty and staff, Rutgers–Camden fosters a close-knit academic community where students enjoy the resources of a world-class research institution. Motivated scholars collaborate with world-renowned faculty, creating an environment defined by discovery and support.
As one of four chancellor-led units in the Rutgers University system, Rutgers–Camden is celebrated as a national model for civically engaged urban universities, earning the prestigious Community Engagement status from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. With its classification as an R2 research university, the campus contributes groundbreaking scholarship and creative output on a global scale.
Ranked among Washington Monthly’s "25 Best-in-Class Colleges", Rutgers University–Camden offers an exceptional environment for intellectual growth, community engagement, and personal achievement, empowering students to reach their highest potential.
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