Catalog for the American Assoc. of Woodturners, 2019 Symposium Member Exhibition
Over my career as a gallery manager, and decision maker choosing artwork for inclusion in exhibitions, I’ve had multiple opportunities to judge art events (regionally and nationally). In 2019 three opportunities came my way, and I wanted to share some of this experience with you. Hopefully you’ll glean information on how the process works, and a better understanding of what is required of the artist for your enjoyment as a viewer.
In late June the Upstairs ArtSpace gallery opened an exhibition which I curated and titled “Show Me Your I.D.” The exhibition included 16 Western NC artists each displaying one artwork that portrayed or explained a part of their identity as an artist. Many of the artists I invited are those Art Connections offers as part of studio tours, and some were artists of which I personally knew more about their influences - I knew they articulated that story in their work. One of the goals when curating is to have variety in size, scale and price point, with enough different art mediums to make the exhibit interesting to a broad range of people, while ultimately looking good in the display space you are working with.
In early July the American Association of Woodturners had their annual member symposium in Raleigh, NC. I was one of three jurors who selected wood sculpture for the member pop-up exhibition entitled “Continuum”. This process happened over the spring with an online jury process, and phone conference calls to discuss the final selections. The three of us jurors then traveled to Raleigh, met and viewed the exhibition to agree on the award winners from the group of selected works. Jurying artwork online is common, and it’s how most festivals and art shows have artists submit for consideration. The festival staff, or a hired ‘juror’ or team of jurors then review all the online images and narrow down their choices based on professionalism, quality, craftsmanship, marketability, depth of variety, what the booth display looks like (for an art show), and if the art actually does relate well to the theme (in the case of an exhibition). It’s important to have high quality images to view - and it’s very important for the juror to be versed in techniques used to be able to recognize high (or low) skill level.
Also, in early July, the Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League opened an annual member show for which I viewed all submissions in person, and selected the artwork for inclusion. This job also included selecting the top prize winners for monetary awards. While seeing all the submissions in person is best, it can be a bit overwhelming to make all the decisions in just a few hours of allotted time. In this situation (and every situation), quality is the first item on the check list; also appropriate use of the materials; appropriate finishing/framing for paintings; the functionality (if the end use is to be functional); and if the works are original to the artist (not a copycat look). It’s very important to give constructive feedback to any artists not selected for encouragement and honest feedback.
To review: a curator or juror (depending on the situation and event) looks for: quality and craftsmanship; aesthetic appeal; originality of the artwork; if the art fits the theme; if the booth display is attractive (and safe) or if the presentation of the art is thought through; professionalism of the submission is a factor as well.
Normally gallery visitors and art festival attendees are focusing on the art, hopefully they also realize a lot of work goes into the selection and presentation of the artwork as well.
Finally, how do you choose artwork and handmade furnishings for your home - or for your workplace? I’d be glad to help. Utilize my 30+ years in the business to help you make art choices you’ll love!
