We often see articles in our community publications about awards or recognition received by local artists. What is the big deal about being accepted into an art show, or even winning an award? How does someone that is not an artist, or involved directly with the profession, understand what these achievements mean or how they influence the artist that is recognized?

Shows determine many things for artists. Sometimes it is simply being accepted that is an achievement, other times it is winning a juror’s award, an award established by the viewers, or a purchase award. Awards can affect the availability of an artist’s work, pricing structure, quality, presentation, and the overall professional status of an artist. Shows are a way for artists to keep active in the areas they are showing in, network with art professionals, compare their work to others in the region, get feedback from viewers, and refine the presentation of their work and themselves to the public.

So, how can we understand what achievements are being made? Here is the low down on show terminology…

Open Show: This generally denotes that the showing is open to any artist over 18 years of age regardless of status as a professional or hobbyist. Also, an open showing has no judge that accepts or declines the work based on quality, style, etc. Most shows of this nature have a lot of variety in overall quality, price, style, and subject matter.

Juried Show: This type of showing is more prestigious than an open show. It has a judge, or "juror", that accepts or declines works submitted by the artists based on the theme of the show, tenets set forth by the showing venue, or the juror’s personal criteria. Many times just being accepted into a juried show is an award in itself due to strict entry requirements or criteria set forth by the juror.

Juror or Jury: The judge(s) of an art show - The juror is usually a seasoned professional related to the art field as a recognized and accomplished artist in their medium, as an instructor, as a reputable gallery or museum representative, a critic, or other recognized and educated person in the field. A jury is a group of individuals as named above that vote to accept or decline works as a group.

Juror’s Award: Commonly given for a body (related group) of work by an artist, or recognizing winners without designating a first, second, third place, etc. This form of award is rapidly replacing many other forms of acknowledgement in the regional juried showing circuit. Sometimes a Juror’s Award can be a separate merit award apart from first, second, or third places.

Purchase Award: The artist is awarded by the purchase of their artwork by an individual, business, or endowment.

Best of Show: Top award in many shows… Generally meaning the work is set apart from the entire show in quality, concept, execution, and presentation.

Division Awards: Traditional first, second, third places. Some shows support multiple divisions based on age, medium, theme, etc.

On the note of shows and achievements, remember to ask artists about their showing experiences. Participation in shows, whether open or juried, illustrates that the artist is actively promoting their work and comparing it to the work of others. It is a continual cycle of renewal and improvement, plus it demonstrates a commitment by the artist to follow the rules associated with entry into the show and meet many guidelines for quality and professionalism.

Want to learn more about what is happening in the arts community? You can find a listing of upcoming art events here on the Events page or check the Chamber Works calendar or by visiting the Chamber of Commerce Website.