120 East State, the non-profit transforming the historic First Presbyterian Church of Trenton (FPCT) into The Steeple Center arts and cultural community complex in downtown Trenton, announced Thursday that it has extended the deadline for artists of all ages to create a new logo for the non-profit, to June 2, 2024.
The contest, open to all artists and designers age 16 and up, will provide prizes to the winners, exhibiting all of the submitted designs in a Steeple Center Virtual Art Gallery and asking the community to help 120 East State choose the winners.
“We want as many Trentonians to participate as possible,” Cherry Oakley, 120 East State Board President, said. “There’s a lot of talent in this city and this is a great chance for them to showcase their talents. The submissions we have already received are fabulous, but we’re sure there are even more inspiring artists in Trenton as well as greater Trenton/Mercer County, and as a community-based organization, we want to display our community’s talents.”
120 East State will host an Artists’ Reception on Wednesday, May 15 from 6-7:30pm at 120 E. State Street, introducing attendees to the plans for the property and the values of 120 East State, to include a tour of the buildings and site. “We know being in the space itself and hearing the vision is inspiring. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone interested in what we’re doing, and hoping contest participants will feel they understand what we’re up to,” said Molly Dykstra, Project Leader.
Each contestant may submit up to three entries through June 2, 2024, and members of the community are invited to vote for their favorite design in an online community voting round to be held June 4-9. 120 East State will use community sentiment to advise on the eventual winners, and contest winners will be announced at the Juneteenth Celebration at Mercer County Park on Saturday, June 15, 2024.
For details on the contest, please see the flier or the submission form.
120 East State was formed in April 2022, for the purpose of transforming the historic First Presbyterian Church campus into The Steeple Center, a community-centered performing arts venue, an engine of economic development, and an opportunity for local empowerment giving voice, space, and welcome to its neighbors in the heart of downtown Trenton.
About 120 East State
120 East State (120ES) is a community-based, community-centered investment in the heart of Trenton. Through public and private funding, 120ES is transforming a building with a storied past, First Presbyterian Church of Trenton, into a multi use gathering place for the whole community, including a community cafe, cultural/performing arts venue, and events/program space. Serving Trenton and greater Trenton, 120ES will contribute to the vitality of downtown, provide needed jobs and services to Trenton residents, highlight the told and untold histories of this National Historic Register property, and create a Trenton-proud hospitality zone for visitors to our capital city.
About First Presbyterian Church of Trenton
Founded in 1712, the First Presbyterian of Trenton has been located on this downtown Trenton site since 1727, nearly 300 years (the current structure dates from 1839). The earliest cemetery grave-markers date to the 1730’s. Many of Trenton’s original settlers are buried here, but the cemetery is perhaps best known as the final resting place of Col. Johann Rall, killed in the First Battle of Trenton in December, 1776. The first U.S.military chaplain to be killed in battle, the Rev. John Rosbrugh, is also buried here, murdered by British and Hessian troops during the second battle of Trenton.
Both the church building and cemetery are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
