Elkhart Juried Regional

2011 Elkhart Juried Regional



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Elkhart Juried Regional 2011

Thanks to all of the artists who entered the 33rd Elkhart Juried Regional.



Jurors' Statement
Serving as a juror for the 2011 Midwest Museum of American Art is an honor. I write this still in the warm glow of hospitality, just immersed in the fine art brought to the museum for consideration. So many artists have achieved mastery of their craft. The Museum is so very encouraging, providing opportunities for art to become stronger and for artists to make connections within the artist community and develop a collector base. The positive power of original art made by the human hand belongs in homes and businesses alike. Elkhart celebrates art.

One note of concern is for artists of 2D work that needs to hang on walls. My opinion is that artists must assume the responsibility of presentation. When you have made a work of art, given it everything you have, isn't that enough? Unfortunately it is not. As an artist you cannot give over decisions about presentation even to the best framer in town. The Museum wants the exhibition to reveal the artist's vision as clearly as possible. Let the colored mats and detailed framing suggest the collector's choice.

Joyce Garner, Painter, Louisville, KY


Serving as a juror for the 2011 Midwest Museum of American Art has not only been an honor but an eye-opener as well! Starting with the vast number of extremely talented artists (so, so many) from one region, spanning all disciplines. The art gods must have decided this was a great place to produce artist!

The region is also blessed having such an extraordinary group of professionals, dedicating their hearts, souls and their lives to "your" regional arts - across the board, all under one roof - "the MIDWEST MUSEUM of AMERICAN ART". You have no idea how lucky the region is; this is not the norm, generally speaking.

As with all exhibitions, there is exceptional work, great work, good & bad work. If you did not get in - A) you need to work harder! , or B) we are incompetent jerks! And if you got in - A) we recognized your exceptional talent(s) but you still need to work harder to stay at the top of your game, or B) we were incompetent jerks - always remember what we might have picked as a prize winner today could be thrown out by the next juror at another competition!

One of my best/worst weeks ever as a young artist, at the beginning of my career, was getting "7" reject slips in one week. It is not always easy & everybody is a CRITIC. It goes with the profession.

It was truly a great pleasure to have been surrounded by so much art in one place at one time. I thank all of you artist for such an experience.

One note of warning however - beware of the silver tongued FRAMERS - go for simple clean spare presentation, after all is is YOUR WORK that is the star of the show, not their frames & mats. It is all worth thinking about! Sincerely & respectfully & all that jazz.

Billy Hertz, Painter & Gallery Director, Louisville, KY