JUROR'S STATEMENT:

It was my privilege to jury the 80th May Show at the Mansfield Art Center. I would like to express my thanks to all those who submitted work. I know from long experience what it is like to submit our own artworks to similar juried shows, and how nerve-wracking the process can be. I also understand and appreciate the investment of time and passionate interest that is bound up in any art object or project.

In my opinion, the best art is interpreted through the artists' experience, not just technical excellence, although this is also important. I feel that the "Best ART" is a mesh of both: Emotion with Technique in balance.

When I jury a show, I look for four things:

Unique idea: Something that is your very own, maybe a different twist on an old theme.

Creative design: A composition that balances of all the elements of design… line, value, color and shape… using repetition, texture, pattern to evoke a mood.

Execution: Knowledge of the broad range of the medium and expertise in application, which only comes with practice, practice, practice…

Presentation: Using the appropriate materials to enhance the work. I included works that attained a high aesthetic standard and incorporated the mastering of various techniques and media. The majority of the artworks in the show honor(s) the traditional, while the balance of the artworks honor(s) the contemporary new styles, that always follow. These decisions are very subjective; as what does not get into a show today, can win first prize in another tomorrow.

Judging the show presented me with an opportunity to view new and compelling art from artists that are from a different demographic. It was a pleasure to make these new discoveries, and I look forward to seeing “what's coming” from these artists in the future!

-Mary Urbas

Awards: