Bob Cleary Fanwood Photographer | NJ Senior Citizen Art Award

Fanwood photographer Robert “Bob” Cleary’s work has earned recognition far beyond his community. His photograph, “Wall Street,” recently received an Honorable Mention in the professional photography category of the 60th annual New Jersey Senior Citizen Art Show, advancing to the statewide exhibition after first winning recognition in the Union County competition.

“Wall Street” captures a compelling moment: commuters moving through a steam cloud on a cold, blustery morning. Cleary reflected on why the image resonated with judges and viewers alike. “I thought it was an interesting composition of the commuters moving through the steam cloud. It created a moody, mysterious composition,” he said. “I’m thrilled to share my art and be recognized through this wonderful senior art show which brings together so many talented senior artists.”

At 68, Cleary considers himself an amateur photographer but entered the competition in the professional category. His work has already found buyers at Fanwood’s annual Fanny Wood Day, and this statewide recognition adds to his growing list of achievements. This is not his first honor from the senior art show. He previously earned third place in the professional watercolor category.

Cleary is the only Fanwood or Scotch Plains-based artist among this year’s award recipients. The statewide exhibition draws from nearly 300 original works by professional and non-professional artists age 60 and older throughout New Jersey. Twenty Union County artists are represented, with 13 receiving awards.

The exhibition is on display through November 4 at Meadow Lakes Senior Living, 300 Meadow Lakes, East Windsor. Visiting hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of six or more are asked to call 609-448-4100 in advance. The exhibition is co-sponsored by Mercer County’s Division of Culture and Heritage and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

FAQ

1. Who is Bob Cleary and what did he win?
Bob Cleary is a 68-year-old Fanwood photographer who earned an Honorable Mention in the professional photography category of the 60th annual New Jersey Senior Citizen Art Show. Though he considers himself an amateur, he entered the professional category and his photograph “Wall Street” advanced from the Union County competition to the statewide exhibition.

2. What is the photograph “Wall Street” about?
“Wall Street” captures a cold, blustery morning on Wall Street with commuters moving through a cloud of steam. Cleary describes it as “an interesting composition” that “created a moody, mysterious composition.” The image resonated with both judges and visitors at the exhibition.

3. When and where can I see the exhibition?
The 60th annual New Jersey Senior Citizen Art Show is on display through November 4, 2026, at Meadow Lakes Senior Living, 300 Meadow Lakes, East Windsor, NJ. Visiting hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

4. How do I visit with a group?
Groups of six or more are asked to call Meadow Lakes in advance at 609-448-4100 to arrange their visit.

5. Is this Bob Cleary’s first recognition from the senior art show?
No. Cleary previously earned third place in the professional watercolor category of the same exhibition, demonstrating his ongoing success in the senior art show competition.

6. How many Union County artists are represented in the statewide exhibition?
Twenty Union County artists are represented in the statewide exhibition, with 13 receiving awards. Bob Cleary is the only award recipient from Fanwood or Scotch Plains.