On Jurying an Exhibit - Part II - Winners

I recently had the honor of jurying and judging two simultaneous art exhibits.  The previous post explains the beginning of that process.  This is Part II - Selecting a Winner. 

Once the work has been chosen for a show, the next task is for the judge to select those pieces that to him or her, are worthy of accolade.  Every judge has their own criteria, based on their background. My parameters are broad because my experience is in teaching, which requires that I be proficient, although not necessarily excel, in most media, plus have some art history background. In my case, that includes photography, sculpture, painting, crafts, jewelry, clay and fiber arts.  My criteria for choosing winning selections included technical skill, formal elements and reaction.  

I admit it was a daunting task to see so many paintings, so much art and try to narrow it all down, then select those deserving of an honor.  What was I thinking, taking this on?  So many artists tell me they hate judging shows, or they wouldn’t even consider it.   

I judged the show “Reigning Cats and Dogs” first.  I made a quick sweep of the show the day before judging, since I have a studio in the back of the gallery.  My first thought was, “wow, this is going to be a nice show.”  I returned the next day to begin the process.  So many more pieces had been entered and the size of the show nearly doubled in that short time.  One in particular caught my eye, from the beginning.  Several caught my heart, since I’m a dog painter.  But judging art is a different thing from loving art.  I immediately saw references to Marc Chagall, a Russian painter, then a little Paul Klee and Joan Miro in this compositionally strong work. I had to get close to see what was happening.  Titled “Hound,” I kept wondering “where IS the hound?”  While looking at this painting, I noticed the marks, the application of color, the subtle suggestions of other animals. Done in pastel and mixed media, the work is clean, engaging, and a self-contained bundle of energy.  Even though I found so many other works in this show as well done and lovely, or curious and engaging, this one not only kept calling me back, it had it all.  First place went to this painting, titled “Hound,” by Jeanne Minnix.  

copyright Jeanne Minnix - used with permission

The rest of the choices were harder still.  Now I had only 2 more awards, plus honorable mentions to give.  This was a strong show to judge, with excellent work by accomplished artists.  To be sure I chose based on what, not whom, as I did not look at any  names on the entries until after my selections.  Of course, there were styles I recognized and two of my students entered, but overall, I had no idea who did what.  Again, I had to narrow down by what spoke to me, once all other things were considered.  I decided to sleep on it and make final choices when I returned the following day. The rest of the exhibit and winners can be seen at Crossroads Art Center 

The next day, I returned to judge the larger all-media show.  This is the one where everything imaginable can be entered, and was.  Again, once the show was selected I had to choose a winner.  

This one came a little differently.  I remember as we were eliminating pieces (I would decide and Jenni Kirby, gallery owner, would remove them) at some point I turned and saw this piece.  I mentioned it in my gallery talk, the reaction was so visceral.  I gasped.  This tiny bird, reduced to skeletal fragments, rested or floated somehow in the hands of a human reaching to scoop it up.  As if the soul was rising from the deterioration into hope.  I told Jenni, “I just want to weep.”                                                                       

First place was awarded to "Life Force" by Mel Talley.

copyright Mel Talley - used with permission

Granted, all of this is my interpretation.  But the artist did with photography what any good artist does - manipulated his materials and made color and compositional choices to convey a message...a message vague enough for interpretation, strong enough to  evoke a response.  Wow.  Just wow.   Had this piece been tiny, or colorful, or the size of the subjects been changed, or framed differently,  it would read as an entirely different work.  I think (my opinion) that often those who judge art don’t take the time to look and really see what is going on.  I understand the limitations of time and space dictate how one may decide on a winner, but each artist typically makes thoughtful and critical decisions about their work all along the way, and those artists deserve more than a passing glance.  

My last thoughts in this Part II post concerns “winning” in art.  I don’t consider art to be a competitive sport.  Yet, this is how juried art shows are set up - as competitions.  With judges and winners.  Which somehow suggests losers on the flip side.  Those of us in this “game” (another sports reference) have become accustomed to being selected or rejected from exhibits, and know often it has nothing to do with the merits of our work.  It can be as simple as not having enough space.  Yet, when we receive those awards, we feel validated.  If the show is prestigious enough, we can boast that we’ve been acknowledged, that we have arrived!  I like a juried show - from an artist’s point of view, it means there is some stability or certain quality, depending on the venue and juror, that I can rely on.  It’s a great way to see what another thinks of my art.  It’s a good way to find a fit for my art and draw in the kind of customer more inclined to purchase my art.  

I suppose, until a better way is found, juried shows with awards is the best way for new and seasoned artists to continue to exhibit their work on a regular basis.   

Part III coming soon.  Conversations with two of the artists following the awards presentation. 

On Jurying an Art Exhibit - Part I

I just had the distinct honor of judging an art exhibit. Two actually. One was an all-media exhibit, the other a themed show.  Both included awards, and I had to select the winners. 

I was tickled to be asked.  It wasn't my first time jurying a show, but the all-media exhibit is the largest show to date that I've done.  Deciding what goes in and what stays out isn't as easy as it may seem.  Unlike what one friend jokingly expressed, I don't get to just "choose what I like."  Not if I'm taking it seriously, and for the sake of the artists who enter a show, I owe them that much.  To take the time to look at their work and honor what they have created. What I did do was choose what spoke to me, on some level, after the formal elements, technique and style was considered.  I didn't necessarily "like" each selection, meaning I might not go home with it, but each piece had merit and was worth including. 

The reality is, I had a limited amount of time and space.  So the first round I spent eliminating anything that was poorly done....rough edges, incomplete passages, bad framing, sloppiness, damaged work, etc.  Artists, take note: if you wonder why your work isn't accepted repeatedly, these are issues to check and double-check.  

The second round was to choose the pieces that were without question going in.  These are the pieces done perfectly, work formally and/or draw me in.  Usually these are the ones that become the "winners" and place for ribbons and prize money.  

Lastly is the time consuming part...choosing the rest.  This is where a lot of fine work has to be sent home, simply because it may not fit the gallery, or it doesn't have a place to fit cohesively into a show.  Or perhaps the technique is perfect, but doesn't connect with the viewer (in this case, me.) Or it connects viscerally, but is poorly done for any range of reasons. Or perhaps it's just too much like the other 4 pieces right next to it and has no personality of its own.  This is where, if you are an artist entering a show, you want to present your best. Best work, best presentation, best technique, best choices.  As a teaching friend quite recently said in a presentation of art history, "If you are doing work for self-satisfaction, well, then maybe it needs to stay home." (his entire commentary on that was quite hilarious and too detailed to include here, but you get the drift.) We do a lot of things for our own satisfaction that just needn't be shared with others.  Be sure your art is ready to share. 

Even more important than all of the above is making your art yours.  Different, not for the sake of being different, but to speak from within you. Find your distinct palette, or subject or technique. I looked at probably a dozen landscapes, even after eliminating quite a number of others.  I had to put them all in the same place, to compare them, because quite honestly, many were so similar they could have been done by the same artist.  I needed some to "step forward."  Many were beautifully rendered paintings, but I couldn't keep each. And what a dull show they would have made, had I kept them all. Again, at this point, elimination had to be done due to space constraints, so the ones that stood out from the crowd in some way, yet also worked within the context of the rest of the show, were the ones that made this exhibit. (by the way, one of the landscapes was put on hold and possibly sold opening night.) 

The second exhibit was themed, "Reigning Cats and Dogs." 
I noticed the quality of entries for this show was incredibly high...there weren't too many pieces that were eliminated.  Again, see above - sloppiness, bad framing, etc. were factors. Because this show was in an even smaller space, I had to eliminate some beautiful pieces due to size. Also, thankfully, several artists entered two pieces, so I was able to include what I thought was the stronger - even when both were excellent.  

Part II coming soon.  I'll talk about the process of selecting a winner.  And my thoughts on "winning" when we speak of art. 

Part III - I'd like to share my experience/interaction after opening night with two of the artists.  

Pet Rescue and Zoe

I've learned a lot about rescue in the last 5 days.  I had to.  My nephew's American Bulldog, Zoe, is in need of a new home.  

This is Zoe. I know.  She looks just like any one of my paintings of big-headed dogs. She's beautiful. 

She's also a loved and loving dog.  Most of the time.  Until, as we say in the south, she gets a bee in her bonnet and then she decides to take it out on her big brother dog.  As a friend put it, "she acts like a butt-head."  Or as a contact in rescue put it, " it's not uncommon behavior with this breed."  Hmmmm.  Tell me more.

Dog aggression and human aggression are not the same thing.  Apparently, these 30 second, sporadic spats are just what they are, spats.  However, and this is WHY Zoe needs a new home, she is a large, 70 pound pile of muscle.  And so is her companion dog.  So when they go at it, even for a spat, it gets costly, not to mention dangerous and scary. And there is a toddler in the house. 

This has been a tough time for Zoe's humans.  The toddler is nearly 3 years old.  Zoe is excellent with their child.  Beyond tolerant.  They also have a baby due to arrive any moment.  Their energy, time and funds have to be redirected towards their growing human family.  Zoe could use some good old-fashioned home-schooling, and we've received lots of offers for advice, training and help.  We appreciate every offer, but it's past that stage now, for us.  But NOT for someone else IF THEY WILL ADOPT HER.    

So why don't I take her in?  Of course you want to know.  Because, as much as I'd like to, my own household contains 3 large dogs, one elderly and feeble that requires a good deal of my time.  Currently my schedule revolves around his needs now, plus I have other commitments for my time and I travel.  A feeble dog is a target for a bully dog.  He cannot defend himself. If timing were different, yes, I could try and make it work. 

What we really need is a place for Zoe to be a dog. Preferably without other dogs, although she's never shown signs of aggression to other dogs, except her own brother, which she has learned she can beat up on when she feels like it. Yep, she's a bully.  Humans do it, too.  Sometimes human siblings bully one another growing up, but that doesn't always translate as dangerous to society.  

My nephew has been completely honest about Zoe.  He is also concerned that his child, or any child, might be in the wrong place at the wrong time.  As I said, aggression to humans is different, and Zoe has never shown any, but my nephew wants it clear that her attacks on her brother dog have them worried.  He rightly has placed his family's needs first.  

I know, hard to believe with what I've written when you see her sleeping with her big brother.  As my nephew says, the attacks are sporadic, 99% of the time all is well, and typically Zoe loves her buddy.  Yes, he wishes it were different, but if Zoe has no home to go to soon, she will have to be euthanized.  We can be judgmental all we wish, but the bottom line is, Zoe needs a home or she dies.  In his defense, he has been trying to place her within his network for a long while.  And he has chosen humane euthanization over sending her to a kill shelter or risk having her go to just anyone who may abuse, fight or otherwise have no clue about her breed and her needs.  He and his wife deserve kudos for that.  This isn't a last minute, panicky decision here.  

Which leads me to rescue.  

It is disheartening when you are consistently told no.  
Most of us don't have the time or contacts to find the right rescue - although dozens exist.  

Rescues are full.  They seem to stay full, all the time.  Most aren't set up to deal with a dog that has an aggressive streak, no matter how good she may be.  Kenneling this dog in the wrong environment will worsen her issues.  Training could likely end those issues.  Shoot, it's possible away from her buddy, she'll never have them again.  We don't know.  

Rescues pull from kill shelters, including aggressive dogs, but don't seem to wish to take a dog from a home, in spite of the fact it may also be killed, but at least humanely.  Again, space is the issue, usually.  Or having a foster who can blend this dog into their current pack. The word "aggression" tilts the scale. It is frustrating. Understandable, but frustrating. I don't begrudge any of the shelters for refusing us.  It is what it is. Too many dogs, not enough homes.  

Persistence is what helps.  I've been nothing but persistent.  I don't know our odds for getting Zoe a home.  I've been thrilled to have good advice, and a local rescue group has Zoe on Petfinders now.  I've overloaded my facebook posts with Zoe.  My FB friends have been sharing my posts and photos.  I have another rescue contact willing to help with transport should we find a placement.  If I had given up after the first few declines, I wouldn't have that.  Even so, the odds are against us.   

Rescues are nearly always non-profit, run by volunteers who make NO money and work tirelessly.  After just these past few days, I have an even greater appreciation for their dedication. 

We need time, but don't have it. Zoe's humans are on overload. And as I've noted, there is no space for her. Zoe is 5 years old, spayed, crate-trained, leash trained, knows commands (but can be hard-headed.) 

If you are inclined, please share this.  

Adopt Zoe

Or better yet, if you have a place and time

for a new pet, consider giving her a chance. 

Update - 8/22/2013

The baby arrived in July as expected. Zoe and her companion dog are being kept in separate quarters in the home.  Zoe's humans have had a consult with a trainer, who determined Zoe needs to be in a one-dog household.  

The elder dog in the house is not Zoe's litter brother, and was in the house long before Zoe arrived.  Zoe was not a rescue or breeder dog - but came to this family via friend of a friend.  So there is no where to "return her." 

Yes, every imaginable rescue has been called, from SPCAs to Bully Rescue Orgs. to Cesar Millan.  I'm not kidding - I have no fear in attempting to find this dog a home.  About 50 % of the groups contacted have not even responded. (including Cesar Millan's)  The others have turned us down....re-read above about that.  New suggestions come periodically and we try them as received, if we haven't already.  Zoe will not be sent to a pound or overfilled rescue where she will become lost in the system, become dangerous or worse, be adopted to fight.  Many will disagree, but euthanasia is sadly, horrifyingly a better choice.  

Every being in this house is currently a prisoner, relegated to one portion or another depending on which dog is where.  It is no way for animal or human to live and unfair to both dogs.   

I've learned that everyone has an opinion.  Many have suggestions.    Most people are kind, helpful and thoughtful.  The bottom line is - Can you give her a home?  If not, will you share this post?  I'd love for the next update to say Zoe has a home!  

Update - 9/17/2013

Zoe has found a forever home.  Or at least it looks that way.  A lovely person found her face on Petfinders and Zoe is currently living with her new human and slowly adapting to a new life.  It isn't easy, but Zoe is safe, and while her former humans miss her  the house is now calm and the older dog is showing signs of relief. 

A new blog post about Zoe's new life will appear soon - after everyone has had time to settle in.  A separate blog about rescue options and things I've learned is in the making.