Megan Caldwell Chandler

A couple weeks ago I mentioned two art shows in which I am planning to enter my work.  I’ve officially entered three pieces into the first of the shows, and this weekend the juror of the show will be judging the entries.  This is the Whitewater Valley Annual Art Competition, and it is held on the campus of Indiana University East, in Richmond, Indiana.  This year’s juror is artist Buzz Spector. 

This Saturday, the juror will be holding open judging, and I’m a bit nervous because I’ve decided to attend.  (An open judging is where the juror will make his selections for accepted and declined works and the public is welcome to attend.)  I’ve never been to an open judging before, but the director of the gallery for this art show talked me into coming.  I’m not sure what to expect, but I’m told the artist will often give critiques of the works.  If I’m so inclined, I can even ask the artist to specifically talk about my pieces.  This both titillates and terrifies me.  On one hand, I’d love some feedback on my work, even criticism, because I think it would help me hone my ideas.  On the other hand, yikes!  When I was in college, I witnessed (more than once) a guest artist critiquing student work where the critique was less a constructive criticism and more of a straight up insult.  It was brutal.  I can still see my fellow student’s face deflate as the guest artist tore into his painting.  I’m scared this could happen to me, although I think it’s unlikely.  Nevertheless, I will be bringing Brother to this event, and he will be a healing balm to my soul, should I need it. 

I have one new piece finished from the past two weeks.  This painting is one that I will be entering into the second of the art shows.  Unfortunately, I could not take a decent photo of this piece.  I even had trouble photographing the details, which is unusual.  I’m not sure why the photos are of such poor quality, but it makes me rather grumpy.

Next week I’ll be back to report on the happenings from this weekend’s open judging.  Wish me luck!