Awards Deadline: April 15, 2025

AENJ believes the rationale for conferring awards is twofold. First, to recognize those individuals within the membership who have achieved the highest level of professionalism in the field of visual arts education. Second, to show appreciation to those individuals and/or organizations who have contributed their services in an exemplary manner to the Art Educators of New Jersey and to the goals espoused for the profession.

The Nomination Form is now online.

The Award Categories include:

The Distinguished Achievement Award

Established to honor a member of the association whose long-term dedication to the visual art profession and dedication to AENJ goals, leadership, and teaching experiences are recognized as exemplary. Click here for eligibility requirements.

The Anthony A Guadadiello Award

Established to honor former President, Anthony Guadadiello, whose dedication to the joy of service was a major part of his tenure in office. It recognizes outstanding contributions and service to AENJ. Click here for eligibility requirements.

The John J. Pappas Recognition Award

Established to honor former President John J. Pappas, whose dedication to the idea that arts education is universal and inclusive involving those who support arts experiences from a wider perspective. This Award is appropriate for supporters of the arts who are in the commercial or corporate fields OR in art-related organizations that are not specifically educational by nature. Click here for eligibility requirements.

The George DiBouno Recognition Award

Established to honor former President, George DiBouno, whose dedication to arts education in New Jersey was marked by a realization of the power of leadership in education to move the arts to the forefront. This award is for those who are “within” the field of education, but not Art Educators. Click here for eligibility requirements.

The Professional Artist Award

Established to acknowledge New Jersey artists whose body of work is recognized as significant. Click here for eligibility requirements.

Divisional Awards*

Established to honor those members who are actively involved in teaching visual art and whose teaching methodology and results are exceptional. An award may be presented to a teacher from each of the divisions: Elementary, Middle, High School, and Higher Education. Click here for eligibility requirements.

*Division Award Recipients are expected to share a best practice lesson with the membership at the Advisory Council’s Breakfast and Workshop and may also be invited to lead a round table session for the division at our annual conference.

National Art Honor Society Award

Established to recognize the dedication of an AENJ member who sponsors an outstanding NAHS Chapter. Eligibility: Sponsors of active NAHS Chapters.

National Junior Art Honor Society Award

Established to recognize the dedication of an AENJ member who sponsors an outstanding NJAHS Chapter. Eligibility: Sponsors of active NJAHS Chapters.

Linda Lora Pugliese YAM Award

Established to honor former President, Linda Pugliese, whose dedication to Youth Art Month was rewarded with the first National Claire Flanagan Grand Award. This award recognizes a current county YAM chair or the leadership team who has done the most to increase support for quality art programs and exhibits through the medium of Youth Art Month. This award will be presented at the AENJ conference.

Lynn Dodson YAM Award of Excellence

The Lynn Dodson Award of Excellence was established to honor Lynn Dodson who was the first New Jersey recipient of the Youth Art Month NAEA Award of Excellence. This award recognizes a county YAM chair, co-chair, or an individual AENJ member who has demonstrated outstanding support for Youth Art Month activities. This award will be presented at the AENJ conference.

Awards Procedures/Checklist:

Those wishing to make a nomination must be a current active member of AENJ and submit the following:

  1. A completed nomination form.
  2. Two Letters of Support.

For NAHS and NJAHS include the above AND;

  1. a one-page typed summary of NAHS or NJAHS activities and
  2. a presentation portfolio/notebook of activities

All materials must be postmarked by May 3rd by 11:59 PM to be considered for recognition at the Fall Conference.

We strongly encourage candidates to submit a photo for public relations purposes.

Final decisions in the selection of the award recipients will be made by the Award Committee with the ratification of the AENJ Executive Committee. Please note that the AENJ Executive Committee does not feel bound to present any and/or all awards annually.

Questions? Contact awards@aenj.org