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  • Connie Mettler April 13, 2012 at 6:44pm

    Thanks for this info, Gregg. Were there other artists there to watch the first round?

    I'd just like to point out if anyone is reading this how many applications this show, often ranked as #1 in the country received. Approximately 1500. Plenty for sure, especially since only 10% are making it into the show. But when you hear and read about shows getting thousands of applications now you see the truth: 1500, not 1000's. Just pointing out a fact that is often inflated and useful information going forward.

    • Gregg Rasmusson > Connie Mettler April 13, 2012 at 6:48pm

      I didn't go to the first round of jurying today, too much sitting around for me right now, I need to keep busy throwing pots for shows coming up.

  • Gregg Rasmusson April 13, 2012 at 11:34am

    Here is the statement that is read to the jurors everyday. I am sure Cindy doesn't mind me posting it for others to see:

    You have been hand picked because of your outstanding contribution to the visual arts. Our job over
    the next three days is to work hard to keep the reputation of the Saint Louis Art Fair as one of the top
    visual arts experiences in the country in tact.
    This process is labor intensive and you are following in the footsteps of many who have commented on
    how difficult it is to choose this show.

    A few comments on how things will proceed over the next few days.

    1. You each come to us with your own unique talents. You represent a diverse range of expertise
    and that is on purpose.

    2. You are charged with selecting a show that is balanced. Your selection criteria should be based
    on ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE! There is no entitlement or quota for categories or ratios of
    applications received to the number of artists selected. We are looking for a show that is
    representative of diverse styles and techniques and that include a broad range of pricing. In
    addition, we are looking for diversity within a medium category. For example: In ceramics, we
    would hope for a positive mix of themes as well as a mix of functional and non-functional work.
    In Fiber we would hope for a mix of wearable and non-wearable work.

    3. We are asking you to tap into your specific area of expertise as well as make the effort to look
    beyond your area of expertise, keeping in mind that we are aiming for a diverse, well-rounded
    show.

    4. We are asking you to look beyond your own personal taste. Please remember that personal
    taste is different than critical observation assessment. In the next few days, you will be
    making critical observation assessments.

    5. As hard as it is to accept, we will be eliminating over 1000 applicants. Hopefully we can all get
    into a mode where we can take the personal aspect of that reality out of what we are here to do.

    At the same time, we will be selecting 151 artists and will be creating a final product that we will
    all be very proud of.

    6. This is an emotional process and at times I expect your emotions will be on a roller coaster of
    sorts. We will encourage discussion and expression of your viewpoint. I will ask, however, that
    you do this in the spirit of respect and understanding of all parties involved. We will function in
    the arena of consensus and that drives the fact that you will have many ups and downs,
    disappointments and successes. In the end, it will balance out amongst the five of you.

    7. And finally, we have scheduled 27+ hours to accomplish this task so we will strive to keep the
    process moving. This means that at times, we may ask that discussion terminate and final votes
    taken. This is not meant to rush you, but to keep us on track within our time limitations.

  • Gregg Rasmusson April 13, 2012 at 11:32am

      So I went to the reception on Thursday and thought I would comment on it.

      It was a very informative event. The director, Cindy Lerick, introduced herself and explained how the jurying process works for the St. Louis Art Fair, even reading the statement they read to the jurors about fairness, bias, and expectations everyday before they start looking at images . Then the Jurors introduced themselves and gave a little background on themselves. After that they cycled through all 1500 or so applicants images to preview them for everyone, while people mingled and visited with each other.

      Starting today they are going to be doing the first round of judging, which will also be open to the public. They will be going through the images several times by categories and then at the end of the day voting yes, maybe or no on each application. It will be a private vote and the people in attendance will not know how each judge is voting.

      It was nice to be able to see all the applications, not only to see who you are up against, but just to appreciate the breadth of work that gets submitted, they have quite a job ahead of them.

      I talked to Cindy a bit about feedback from the judges voting. She said that she is wary about showing how individual judges voted because of potential negative reactions from applicants to individual judges, which I completely understand.  I think one thing that would be nice though would be some kind of general feedback after the judging is done. Maybe what round you made it too, and maybe a comment or two on your submission like, "work not as strong as other applicants", "bad images", "very close but there were many artists that were very similar to your work."

      All in all I can tell that they are trying to be as fair and open about everything as possible. Cindy is a very approachable person and encourages artist to call and talk to her if they ever have any questions about the fair or jurying.

  • Connie Mettler April 9, 2012 at 7:33pm

    Very nice. What a good idea. If you did not listen to the podcast that I did with Cindy Lerick (Saint Louis Art Fair) and Stephen King (Des Moines Art Festival), this should be no surprise. They both are all about sharing information with artists and showing them all the tools that will enable them to have data to succeed in this business. Click on "Radio" link above to learn more.

  • Connie Mettler April 9, 2012 at 5:52pm

    What is this, Gregg? Are they going to have an open jury? Anyone at all local really should attend. There is so much to learn!

    • Gregg Rasmusson > Connie Mettler April 9, 2012 at 6:34pm

      Here is the email:

      Cultural Festivals would like to invite you to a Jury Preview Reception on Thursday, April 12, 2012 from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, London Room, 7750 Carondelet Ave., Clayton, MO 63105.

      The reception will give you, the artists, an opportunity to meet the Cultural Festivals Staff and the 2012 Saint Louis Art Fair Jurors. CF staff will demonstrate how the Zapplication process works and artists will see first hand how their images appear when projected and get a sneak peek at the competition.

      We will also be offering the public an opportunity to observe the jury process during the first round on Friday, April 13 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Jurying will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, London Room, 7750 Carondelet Ave., Clayton, MO 63105.

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