This article was originally written in 2016 and updated in 2023.
I’m like a child on Christmas morning with a pile of presents under the tree waiting to be unwrapped. But, instead of boxes, there are hundreds of JPEGS for me to open. Each one is a treasure, and I’m fully aware I am viewing a work of art created with the heart and soul of a creative person. A myriad of ideas, emotions, and subjects awaken my senses and ignite my imagination. I rejoice in the knowledge there are so many gifted individuals on this planet. That’s why I love curating online art exhibitions for Manhattan Arts International and for The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS.
For me, it’s not just about picking out jpegs to place on the website. It’s also about rewarding many deserving artists. As I view each image, I think about the artist who created it and ask myself:
* Do I feel an immediate gut reaction to the work?
* Does it fascinate me, lure me in to explore it further?
* Does it retain my interest for a long period of time?
* What was the artist trying to communicate?
* Does this entry fit the theme?
* Did the artist take time to get the art photographed properly?
* Does the art demonstrate a mastery of the medium and other technical skills?
* How is the composition, use of color, design, attention to detail, and balance and harmony?
* Does it represent a clarity of vision?
* How original is it?
* Has the artist found their own unique signature style?
* How well does their artist’s statement, submitted with their entries, express the theme. Is it well-written?
* Does this work of art surpass the other artists’ entries?
* Which one of the artist’s entries is best for this exhibition?
* Should this artist be considered for one of the top awards?
* Does their art on their website achieve the same level of competence?
My Objectives as A Curator
Like an architect designing a house, I perceive an overall vision of the show. I imagine it’s also like conducting an orchestra or choreographing a dance performance. Each individual work of art stands on its own and when presented together the total impact is greater than the sum of its parts.
My objective is to show as much diversity as possible, to share a story with many different facets and dimensions. My desire is to take viewers to levels of understanding and visceral responses that will have an incredible and lasting impact on them.
My purpose is to encourage as many visitors as possible to visit the artists’ websites, because I want to help artists gain new followers, buyers and career opportunities.
I believe that superior works of art make us see and feel differently than before we saw it and it must transform us. The best artists have this ability and it’s my job to present them in our exhibitions.
It’s also about making a positive difference. Every year for 20 years I have been presenting exhibitions of art by women artists in “HerStory”. Thousands of artists have been so appreciative to receive the recognition and exposure that the “HerStory” exhibitions have delivered.
Selecting The Finalists
As I view and review each entry my heart often overflows with joy. I become infatuated with many of the works of art. I can feel my serotonin levels rise. To take a closer look at the details my nose is so close to the computer monitor… if only I could crawl inside and see these works of art in person.
I remind myself that I have to endure the arduous task of eliminating a good portion of the artists. This is the part of the jurying process I dislike; however, it is unavoidable. The next dilemma I encounter is, how do I choose the finalists among so many outstanding works of art? There are several artists who equally deserve all of the top awards. There are no measuring devices to make this simpler.
I Also Visit The Artists’ Websites
As the curator, I am not only choosing works of art for an exhibition, I am also choosing artists that I want to promote to our widespread international audience, across several social media platforms.
So, before I pick the finalists, I visit dozens of artists’ websites. I learn a lot on these visits. I find out if the artist creates consistently high quality artwork. I learn if the artist puts in the effort to develop a professional career. I carefully read their artist’s statements and biographies and this becomes part of the judging process. For me, it’s not just about picking out jpegs to place on the website. It’s about rewarding the most deserving artists.
On these visits, since I’m an artist career coach, I catch a lot of mistakes artists make. A common mistake is that artists don’t choose their best works when they enter a juried competition. On this subject, I wrote an article Avoid Getting Rejected in Art Competitions.
Years of Rewarding Satisfaction and Upcoming Exhibitions
I must have organized 100 or more exhibitions in my career – in brick and mortar exhibition venues and online. The process is an honor and pleasure that I know I will continue to enjoy for years to come.
Every year, as Director and Curator of Manhattan Arts International, I organize 3 or more online exhibitions including “HerStory”. I select several “Special Art Recognition Awards”.
We receive entries from artists around the world working in all styles and mediums. Learn more about Manhattan Arts International exhibitions.
It’s rewarding to think about how many artists I have come to know through these exhibitions. Many artists I have known for decades. When I add the numbers, several thousand artists have been promoted through these Manhattan Arts International exhibitions. It’s fun to do google searches and find their awards listed on their resumes.
My hope is the exhibiting artists and viewers gain as much pleasure from these exhibitions as I do.
This is a wonderful article, Renee! Your joy in all that you do is amazing. I can definitely feel the passion that you put into your curation process. To have you spell out the key points that you look for is extremely helpful for all artists. I am happy to be part of the HPAA family. Good people, great artists! 🙂
Dear Karen, Thank you a million times for your kind words and positive feedback. I feel honored and delighted you are part of the HPAA family. 🙂
Can you write about the value for artists of participating in an online art exhibition? How are they perceived in comparison to traditional gallery exhibitions? How do the gatekeepers feel when they see them on your CV? Thanks!
Hi Kymba,
Thank you for your excellent questions. Just as there are many different types of brick and mortar galleries there are many online exhibitions to choose from, so how does an artist decide which ones are most beneficial? I may write an article on this subject, but for now, here’s a quick answer to your question.
Obviously, a solo show in a highly esteemed gallery or nonprofit art institution ranks higher than an online exhibition on an unknown and unprofessional website. You may want to read “Not All Calls For Artists Are Equal”.
Artists also need to take into consideration the opportunities they have at their career level, geographic location, prices of their artwork, among other factors.
Furthermore, a potential art buyer could have a very different perspective when looking at an artist’s resume than a gallery that only exhibits museum exhibited artists. I always suggest to artists they look at the resumes of other artists represented in a gallery before approaching, to see how they will be judged.
When I look at an artist’s resume and when I serve as a curator, whether the artist’s exhibitions have taken place online or in brick and mortar galleries, I look for 1. The gallery/organization/sponsor’s reputation and longevity 2. The jurors’ professional credentials 3. Originality and technical prowess of the art by the artists shown in their previous online exhibitions. Quality matters.
The feedback I have received from many artists who have been selected for online exhibitions on Manhattan Arts International and The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS, (an initiative of Manhattan Arts International) is that because Manhattan Arts International is based in NYC, NY, with a long history of working with recognized art professionals and known for exhibiting high quality art, the response the artists receive from adding them to their resume has improved their art careers and sales. And, the mere fact that their art in an online exhibition is being seen by hundreds of thousands of viewers, with links back to their websites, as opposed to a “traditional” gallery is very attractive.
I am grateful there are many choices for artists to get exposure for their artwork and the best online opportunities can be extremely beneficial. A word of caution; however, if an artist wants to be perceived as professional, they shouldn’t enter shows that accept amateur artists. They need to be selective in where they submit their artwork.
I may consider conducting more research on this subject and perhaps you’ll see an article in the future! You can subscribe to keep informed.
Dear Renee:
Your description of there being a creative being behind each jpeg is wonderful. And I admire the important questions you ask when viewing get each piece.
I always look forward to your articles, posts and exhibitions. You gather so much inspiration from around the world.
Thank you for the honor of being curated into Manhattan Arts International.
Best regards,
Tracy Ellyn
Dear Tracy,
Thank you for your comment. I’m glad you enjoyed the article. It’s an honor for us to have your art in the Manhattan Arts International online gallery.
All the best,
Renee
What a lovely article! It was an honor to be curated into two of your shows and what you do to promote artists is exceptional. Thank you for your passion and devotion.
Dear Linda,
You’re so kind to write a comment. It’s always a pleasure to see your art. YOU and your ART are exceptional, so unique and full of vitality and “chi”.
My best wishes,
Renee
Thanks, Renee, for using “Maestro” as a metaphor in your writing today.
You always orchestrate exhibits well! It is a pleasure to be associated with
Manhattan Arts International.
Elaine,
Maestro definitely is a a wonderful metaphor for how we play a role in directing our careers! It is such a brilliantly crafted and expressive work of art. No one sculpts like you! If it’s okay with you I will use Maestro more often to emphasize a point! Best regards, Renee
Carol Scott’s art and Roberta London’s photograph are so very strong and intriquing. Thank you for all your curating.
Thank you!