Open Letter to Art Show Staff
Dear Art Show Personnel:
Admit it, even the best most forward thinking of you from time to time get lost down the slippery slope of what the jurying process means. Often it's presented as sort of a competition, and believe me, it sure can come across feeling that way from the artist's point of view. But it is healthier for all involved to take a broader view.
As an artist who has participated in many top shows I like to think of this process less as a competition and more as a jury's own creative project; building a beautiful array of excellence. Thus those that aren't included aren't identified as less or inferior but only as better suited to a different collection. See the difference? Better yet, feel the difference?
Respectfully,
Every Artist Who's Submitted an Application to Your Show
A Puzzling Process
The buzz is beginning to be generated for this season's shows - the includes, the excludes, the who's-ins, the who's-outs.....and I just wanted to go on record as saying I handle not being selected (AKA "Being Rejected") by a jury as simply my current body of work not being the perfect piece to the puzzle they're assembling. This frees me up to stay positive about my work and eliminate any need to hold a grudge for any reason. Heck it even lets me celebrate all who do get into a show!
Here's the weird thing about me and my art, last year I was surprised by three awards in three wonderful top notch shows - and while it felt simply amazing to have been so honored, the fact is I don't get it. How can one mindfully, competently and intentionally created body of work possibly be 'judged' as better than another? Isn't this all just a matter of taste?
Oh, sure, some artists create better booth presentations, have better slides and are superior business people when it comes to packaging their ideas, but on some pure level I just can't wrap my head around Art as a Competitive pursuit!
The Real Includes - the Genuine Prizes
Besides these prizes given to me presumably by my peers, I don't think there's any way I can plan nor prepare to repeat any of those this year. You know what winning situations I am looking forward to recreating this summer though? The ones where children came into my booth and spent their own birthday money on an actual piece of art. Yep, happened two times. I wrote about it here.
How do You Philosophize the Jurying Process?
I, and anyone who reads this post, would love to hear your thoughts on this too. I know there's a treasure trove of thoughts and ideas embodied by the various users throughout this site; I'm looking forward to reading some alternate views!
Comments
If the jurors were experts in every category that they judge most artists might take them more seriously when rejected from a show. It always seems to come down to a matter of personal taste of each juror...the same personal taste that causes each and every person to either love our work or just walk past the booth without as much as a second glance...
I am sure we all have done shows where we did exceptionally well in sales...only to be rejected to that same show when applying again...it most certainly has happened to me and i am not alone in this situation..
No one wants to be rejected but...as an artist, the opinions and comments of the people we respect are the ones that really are important and hopefully become frequent clients.
I am new to Art Shows, but, have found the Jury proccess, with whatever goals, prompts me to do better, and try harder.
Aren't all art fair artists basically positive people? Isn't that why we keep coming back to show after show, even after some negative experiences? If you are a negative person, will you last in this business? Don't we think that great show is just around the corner? Just thinkin.........
Marti, you have to be the most positive person out there. You have a very happy and freeing outlook on life.
Thanks for all the terrifically supportive feedback, you-all! May all your show days be warm and sunny with just the hint of a purifying breeze and populated by happy people carrying bags of gold doubloons earmarked for your work!
Marti, I love this post! Thanks for the alternate view!
Marti, you have a great attitude. Very positive and uplifting. Nice to read with my morning tea.
It is very hard to accept the personal rejection when you don't get into a show. Some take it easy, knowing there will be a next time or another place, others feel it deep in their souls (I'm not good enough) and maybe a financial panic sets in. So you talk yourself down off that cliff and turn to the next challenge.
I agree with you, Marti, and believe that some show directors do see their assemblage of artists as putting together a beautiful puzzle. Some of the charm of art fairs is that each puzzle is different and the observer is drawn to see what is next, my old mantra "the only interesting shopping left in the U.S." I have walked down the streets of events I've worked on and admired the beauty of the whole, jewels gleaming out from booth after booth. Then, get out the wallet!
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