“SCOUTSHIP”: West Windsor Arts, in collaboration with the Historical Society of West Windsor, is hosting a sculpture design contest to commemorate the 85th anniversary of “The War of the Worlds” radio broadcast. This piece is by Eric Schultz.

It was nearly 85 years ago when Orson Welles’ infamous “The War of the Worlds” radio broadcast declared that aliens from Mars had landed in West Windsor, which caused a national stir. To celebrate this upcoming anniversary, West Windsor Arts, in collaboration with the Historical Society of West Windsor, is hosting “The mARTian Project,” a sculpture design contest. 

People of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to imagine what these interstellar beings would look like as they transition to their new home in West Windsor. Entries are encouraged to take inspiration from the audio description given by Orson Welles, but also give an original and friendly spin to how these Martians are depicted. 

Designs will be collected until September 9, and then a public vote will be held to determine which design will be sculpted as the official mascot across town. The winning design will be used to create blank, fiberglass sculptures, which will be given to local artists to decorate as part of a separate design contest that will be released in the spring of 2023.

The winning sculpture designer will receive a cash prize of $500. Details and full parameters of the contest can be found at WestWindsorArts.org. 

The unveiling of the winning design will be held during a fundraiser cocktail reception on October 30 at the historic Schenck Farmstead in West Windsor. The event will also feature a talk by A. Brad Schwartz, author of Broadcast Hysteria, as well as farm tours, a bonfire, and food and libations. 

West Windsor Arts is also looking for more community members to join the planning committee for “The mARTian Project.”  Volunteers will help in all aspects including event planning, logistics, fundraising, site selection, and more. Contact info@westwindsorarts.org for more information.