Over my career I’ve juried and curated more than 200 exhibitions both in physical venues and online. My process includes viewing jpegs and reading artist’s statements. There are many talented artists who had to be disqualified. Rather than go into detail about any mistakes they made, I prefer to devote this article to what the artists who made it into the exhibition did correctly. What became clear to me during this in-depth process is why artists win juried competitions.
How I Jury An Exhibition
I review all jpeg entries and artist’s statements several times. But, I don’t stop there. I also visit the artists’ websites because juried competition entries only give part of the story about who an artist is. Whenever I curate an exhibition I search for artists who have the full package of artistic skills, professionalism, a solid body of work and much more.
For example, Laara Cassells, laaracassells.com, whose paintings are shown above, received the top Manhattan Arts International Featured Artist Award and also the Artsy Shark Special Recognition Featured Artist Award. What she did correctly is, she submitted paintings from the same series to show a cohesive vision and signature style. She also has a very professional website that contains an impressive biography (having been a professional artist for 25 years), a strong CV and articulate artist’s statement. She also supplied a well-written Artist’s Statement with her entry form which was required.
The Basic Criteria
Why Artists Are Chosen
* They completed the entry form properly
* They submitted the correct size jpegs
* They labeled their jpegs with the proper identification
* They submitted images that were photographed well
* They have their own artist’s website or blog
* They submitted an artist’s statement that was grammatically correct, thoughtful, and clearly and accurately explained their creative vision. They wrote it in the first person as required.
Beyond the Basics
As I mentioned in the introduction, the artists who enter Manhattan Arts International competitions are above average, so the judging is a step up from most other exhibitions.
The artists selected as winners have these qualifications in common:
* All of their entries were equal in quality and style
* Their submissions reflected a cohesive, unique signature style
* Their artwork demonstrated professional knowledge of color, form, composition, etc.
* Their website displayed a coherent and solid body of work
* Their website contained a resume, biography and artist’s statement
The Top Winners
These artists possess all the above criteria and more:
* They have produced a superior body of work
* Their resume reflects several years of professional commitment and achievements including collections, exhibitions, and awards.
Reminders
* When asked to provide an “Artist’s Statement” or an “Artist’s Biography” understand the difference between them and supply what is requested.
* If there is a maximum word count requested, write the text, count the words, then add it to the form.
* Read the details of the application requirements several times to fully understand them.
* Educate yourself about JPEGS. Google “how to resize a jpeg” to find the step-by-step instructions for the photo imaging software program that you use or ask someone to help you.
* Photograph your art properly – evenly lit, in focus, without distracting background objects.
* Submit art that is similar in style and artistic vision.
* Submit your best artwork. If you can’t be objective, ask for advice from a highly trained art professional.
* Maintain an up to date website with a current biography, CV/Resume and Artist’s Statement.
* Create your own artist’s website. (When it comes to our professional level online exhibitions Instagram, Facebook and Art in America do not suffice as your “own” website.)
Last but not least! If the entry fee is the same for 1 or more images always submit the maximum. You’ll increase your chances of being selected. It gives the curator a better sense of your artistic vision and skills. This will also give you an equal opportunity compared to other artists who submit 3 images.
Some More Tips
* View the past exhibitions of the venue to which you are submitting your entries to familiarize yourself with the quality and type of art from their perspective.
* Visit the top award-winning Artists’ websites to view their body of work and read their resumes to get inspired and motivated. I organize exhibitions on both: Manhattan Arts International and The Healing Power of ART and keep top winning artists on the websites after the exhibition is over.
* Be selective about which call for artists you respond to. If you don’t think you’re ready to compete regarding your body of artwork or professional experience to enter a competition you’re considering, refrain from entering. It’s better to wait until you are ready. On the other hand, seek competitions that include beginner artists.
In Conclusion
I cannot speak on behalf of all jurors and curators. Their standards may not be the same as ours. As the director/curator for Manhattan Arts International, we receive entries from top artists, so our competitions are fierce. My experience has taught me to use these guideposts when selecting artists.
Other Jurors’ Comments
I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with other highly experienced and knowledgeable art professionals. You will find their criteria helpful.
Statement from Barbara Markoff, art consultant and photographer in the corporate and healthcare industry. “I will be looking for an artist with a confident and distinct style that expresses a fresh approach. During the reviewing process many factors come into play for me, including technical achievement, interpretation of subject matter, and ability to creatively express a unique viewpoint.”
Statement from Karen Gutfreund, artist and partner in Gutfreund Cornett Art, a curatorial team that specializes in creating exhibitions in venues around the U.S. “I am drawn to art that is visually arresting, provocative and emotionally charged. I lean towards art that is focused on the human condition and social justice themes with works that evoke a visceral response. The work should challenge the viewer on issues facing society today and to inspire reflective thought and dialogue with the intention to “change the world through art”, i.e. positive change. The artist should demonstrate a unique voice and style and have perfected their craft.”
You may also want to read
The Joys of Being An Art Curator
Avoid Getting Rejected in Art Competitions
Thank you, Renee. Your articles are so very helpful, and your willingness to help groom Artist just starting to become involved in the International Internet gallery shows is commendable. Your encouragement and tutelage was instrumental in my own overcoming my shyness and daring to submit entries into your curated shows. I feel blessed to have discovered you…and fir you to have discovered me!
Thank You Elizabeth! I’m delighted to have connected with you and now have the pleasure and honor of sharing your magnificent watercolor paintings!
My journey as an artist is primarily one of curiosity. This means that I am constantly trying out new approaches and subjects. I understand that this may appear non-cohesive and scattered, but is it fair to judge an artist’s deliberate decision to change styles and subjects as they work as inferior as an artist? I don’t believe so. I am not interested in one style repeatedly; for me, art is all about exploring different ways of seeing, expressing and revealing. If I have accomplished one approach, I am ready to move on to the next challenge. I find the idea that my artwork may be judged poorly simply due to my artistic value of exploration versus replication of a single approach very unfair. In fact, one may even postulate the idea that someone who can create in varied styles is more skilled as an artist who finds their way through one recognizable style! While it is useful in terms of marketability and sales to have a specific and recognizable style, I don’t believe it is the stand-alone trait of a superior artist. I sincerely wish this way of judging would change.
Dear M, I agree with you. I love to discover artists who explore, experiment and try new approaches and subjects, and seek new challenges. For example, Laara Cassells, one of the artists I chose for a top award is an artist who fits that description. From her drawings and paintings of horses to her “Presence/Absence” installation, comprised of 18’ high banners on which were painted silver birch trees, to her current series titled “becoming” which depicts girls between 12 and 13 years old, she continues to grow and evolve with superb technical skills in addition to expanding her inimitable creative expression. Another innovative artist is Michelle Hayden, a winner in “Our Bond With Nature” exhibition who has taken macro photography and encaustic to a new direction in sculpture. I could give many more examples of artists who continuously explore new directions. The best way to understand my perspective is to visit our exhibitions and the artists’ websites and view their artwork.