Gov. Phil Murphy, Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way and the family of the late Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver on Thursday unveiled her official portrait, which will be permanently displayed in the New Jersey State House. The ceremony honored Oliver, who served as New Jersey’s second Lt. Governor and was the first woman of color to be elected to a statewide office in the state’s history.
Following Oliver’s passing in August 2023, Murphy announced the commission of official portraits for both her and the state’s first Lt. Gov., Kim Guadagno, to honor their service and establish a new tradition of recognizing all former lieutenant governors.
“I am honored to join Lieutenant Governor Way and the Oliver family in honoring Sheila’s tremendous life and legacy,” Murphy said. “Sheila’s passion and strong dedication to the people of New Jersey left a lasting mark on our state. Her legacy as a trailblazer and loyal public servant will now be immortalized in the halls of the State House forever, inspiring generations to come.”
Way, who considered Oliver a mentor, echoed these sentiments. “She left a lasting mark on our great state and the people she served, inspiring generations of leaders, especially young women of color. This portrait will be a lasting tribute to her tireless work to make our state a better place.”
Guadagno also expressed her respect for Oliver. “Lieutenant Governor Oliver made a lasting mark on our state through her incredible career of public service. Serving the people of our great state is a bond I will always cherish, and Sheila was a trusted, highly respected colleague whose historic tenure as Assembly Speaker overlapped with my time as Lieutenant Governor.”
The portrait was painted by artist Kathy Fieramosca, who said she “perceived a quiet strength” while studying Oliver’s face. Margaret O’Reilly, executive director of the New Jersey State Museum and curator of the State House portrait collection, noted that the artist captured Oliver’s “vivacity, warmth, intelligence and strength,” and that the slightly unfinished background is a “metaphor for life ended much too soon.”
The portraits commissioned for lieutenant governors will be hung in the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite within the State House.
