The practice of law often runs in the family. In the Waks family, so does the practice of art.

Joan G. and Joseph A. Waks, mother and son, were both recognized in this year's New Jersey State Bar Foundation Annual Juried Art Show. Joan was named the winner of the Chair's Prize for her sculpture “Sylvana Sans Seat.” Joseph received an honorable mention for his mixed media painting “Is there an Assault Weapon in your Future?”

Joan is retired from her family law practice but still works part time for the Passaic County Board of Social Services. In recent years, she has taken up sculpting and she says that it was her son who inspired her to enter this year's art show.

Joseph has worked as an attorney at various levels of government, but also is known as a professional artist who shows extensively throughout the state. When his mother learned about the art show, she texted him to see if he was going to enter.

“He said, 'Mom, you should send your sculptures …. Absolutely, you should do it.' So I did. He encouraged me to do it and I think he inspired me to follow that path,” she said.

Joseph says his mother has been very supportive of his art career, and he is thrilled to see her success. “I'm so happy that she's found it as an outlet. She loves it, and she's good at it too.”

Joseph, who employs many political themes in his work, said he wanted to be a painter when he was young. In retrospect, he says, he's glad he got the education he did. “I think that's like a foundation for my work.”

His mother said that there are definitely aspects of being a lawyer that she uses in sculpting—and it works in the other direction as well. “Mainly it's being observant and paying attention to detail,” she said.

Selections from the seventh Annual Juried Art Show will remain on display at the New Jersey Law Center through Oct. 26.