Just juried my first art show, and got some very positive feedback from a few of the artists whose work I did not let into the show. Why? Because I let them in on my criteria by stapling a strip of paper with this message around the wire on the back. We artists love feedback!
Here's what it said:
"Dear Fellow Artist –
Thank you for entering the ‘Zoom In’ exhibit at Rancho Cordova City Hall. I’m thrilled we have so many artists who spend time and creative energy to enter our quarterly shows. Our Rancho Cordova artist community is growing, and I hope you’ll continue to participate in it!
I also know what it’s like to have an art piece not be accepted into a show. (I don’t like to call it ‘rejection’!) But I always wonder, ‘Why didn’t it get into this show?’
Well, it’s just one person’s opinion and taste – the juror’s. As the juror for ‘Zoom In’, I wanted to let you know what I looked for in putting together this show.
The first thresholds are the basics. Pieces must be:
· Consistent with the theme
· Meet the requirements for size and hanging hardware.
Next, I looked for an emotional connection and good skills:
· Composition
· Values
· Colors.
Last, I wanted a show that was cohesive, was appropriate for showing at City Hall, and fit in the space we’re allocated.
Marsha Mason, bikegirl99@aol.com
www.MarshaMasonWorks.com"
I circled the criterion that wasn't met (in most cases, the consistency with the theme). In some cases, I wrote a note of encouragement to resubmit for another show.
Our artists and our art community are growing! My hope is that this feedback furthers that trend.