| I entered my first
art contest at age ten. I lived in a small town in Wisconsin.
The local newspaper held a poster contest for (then) Washington's birthday.
All the local grade school children were invited to draw or paint an entry
representing our first president. I had just learned that Betsy Ross
had been chosen to sew the new nation's flag. My entry would be Betsy Ross
sitting with needle in hand, fabric draped over her lap, with George Washington
standing behind her. So I began with the help of my mentor, my Mom.
Much labor and erasing and patience paid off. My drawing won the first
prize. It was 50 cents. The drawing was hung in the window
of the newspaper office for the whole month of February.
"My drawing won the first prize"
It is a fact that entering juried shows aids
in the artist's "growth". So, as an adult, I began to grow as an
artist. There is no lack of opportunity in this area for the willing
artist. Juried and judged contests can be entered by submitting slides
of the artwork or the work itself. I preferred to stay within the
geographical bounds of my area, and submit the original work rather than
slides. The work is either then accepted to hang in the show, or
rejected for any of a number of reasons at the
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discretion of the adjudicator. Rejection
slips are character building, encouraging one to try harder to perfect
ones craft. Awards are even stronger motivation. I have received
ribbons, medals, trophies and cash awards. (I have also collected my share
of rejection slips.)
"My style of judging is to look
for the solid basics"
As my character and knowledge grew, I began
to be asked to serve as juror for regional art shows. This honor
called upon all my reserves of experience and knowledge accumulated through
years of painting, teaching and learning. My style of judging is
to look for the solid basics: form, composition, design, perspective
and tonal values, no matter whether the art is abstract, impressionistic,
or realistic, paintings or sculptures. I have also judged photograph
competitions using those same criteria. All together, these have
been exceptionally rewarding times.
What is next for us in the realm of contests
and awards? I believe contests/competitions will no longer require
slides only, but will take advantage of technology and allow entries to
be submitted via the internet. Also, I am available and open
to requests to be an adjudicator on the national and international level.
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