MORRISTOWN, NJ.- As the permanent home to the fabulous array of automata from the Murtogh D. Guinness Collection of Mechanical Musical Instruments and Automata, the Morris Museum in Morristown, NJ begins a four-year series, A Cache of Kinetic Art featuring an annual exhibition of kinetic art. The creative energy and vitality of kineticism is highlighted while featuring artistic interpretations by present-day artists who fuse innovative design with creative use of traditional and contemporary media.

Open to established and emerging artists, this exhibition series explores a range of artistic talent, inventiveness in design, and a mastery of technique. By bridging the gap between vintage and contemporary kinetic art, visitors will experience the creativity and excitement of this unique art form.

Developed and curated by the staff of the Morris Museum's Guinness Collection, this first juried kinetic art exhibition debuts on Friday, March 16, 2018. The themes of this exhibition series changes over the four years:

· Curious Characters, 2018
· Simply Steampunk, 2019
· Tiny Intricacies, 2020
· Timeless Movements, 2021

“The goal of this exhibition is twofold” Michele Marinelli, Curator of the Guinness Collection explains, “Firstly, to explore a range of artistic talent in kineticism, including providing an opportunity for emerging artists to showcase their talents, and secondly, we anticipate that by bridging the gap between vintage automata and contemporary kinetic art, visitors will come to understand and appreciate this unique art form.”

The Curious Characters exhibition will complement AutomataCon 2018, scheduled for May 18-20, 2018 at the Morris Museum in Morristown, NJ.

A team of esteemed jurists brought their unique perspectives to judging this exhibition.

· Lizbeth Krupp, Boston: Patron of the arts, collector and founder of Krupp Family Foundation

· Richard Garriott, New York: Video game developer, entrepreneur, collector and astronaut

· Dawn Delikat, New York: Associate Executive Director at Pen and Brush

Each jurist received a rubric with judging criteria and score sheet to be used for each object submitted, to assist in evaluating art individually. The criteria included:

1. Interpretation and Clarity of Theme: Distinctive and complete, the design shows creative understanding and expression of the theme. Does the artist’s inventiveness of using resources in different ways leave an impact?

2. Creativity and Originality of Depicted Theme: Uniquely imaginative, continuity of the theme flows seamlessly throughout the artwork. Does the artist push the boundaries beyond the basic design?

3. Composition and Overall Design: Quality organization is demonstrated through effective knowledge and application of the elements and principles of design. Do all the elements work together to express the vision of the artist?

4. Craftsmanship and Mastery of Medium: Clear understanding of the qualities and application of specific medium is demonstrated through mastery of skill. Is the artist using the medium to its full potential in an innovative way?

5. Visual Impact and Overall Quality: Overall organization of artistic elements, content and execution of the artwork is cohesive, inventive and relevant. Does the artwork stand on its own as a complete, stimulating and thought-provoking work of art?

6. Artist’s Statement and Communication of Goals: Well written, with fully articulated explanation of purpose and goal. Is the artist successful in expressing this intent?

Collectively, the jurists discussed individual scores making their final selections for inclusion in the exhibition. Chosen were 16 artists and 27 works of art from a total of 43 submissions from the Mid-Atlantic states, from Bangor, ME to Santa Monica, CA, from Alabama to Minnesota, Arizona and New Mexico. International artists selected for Curious Characters come from Canada, Argentina, Greece and Australia.