I’ve been juried into the annual Oak Ridge (TN) Art Center OPEN SHOW for the past five years, with 2 paintings accepted one year. But this is the first time I have scored four successes! Here’s how it has played out this year:
- My scratchboard “Breeding Plumage” was chosen by the juror Stephen Wicks, curator of the Knoxville Museum of Art, from 442 entries. His critique: “Exceptional attention to detail. Overall composition well served by use of color.”
- The juror also chose “Breeding Plumage” for an award, the Sisyphus Award “for exceptionally or maniacally detailed work in any medium.” Hoorah, but I like ‘exceptionally’ as the better adjective!
- While it was hung and waiting to be judged, a second entry of mine, “Magnificent,” sold! It is a scratchboard which I felt had to be viewed in person, to experience the shifting color glow on the orb. It was an experimental technique for me, created by glazing the scratched white surface with interference acrylic paints. The juror’s critique: “Exceptional detail with nice variety in line, shape and direction.”
- The Director of the Art Center, Rex W. Redd, added a hand-written note to my written juror’s critiques: “Judy, What else is there to say than, once again, you have presented an excellent group of images to be juried. I zoned in on those beautiful ducks (NOTE: He refers to my scratchboard “This Magic Moment,” my third entry) the moment you brought them in. Honestly, all the pieces you entered are spectacular. Mastery of such a difficult medium should be acknowledged. Congratulations on getting selected to Open Show.” Wow, I am honored!
The Open Show is open to all artists of all media. The exhibit runs through November 25, 2023, at Oak Ridge Art Center, 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, (865) 482-1441. Hours: Sat/Sun/Mon: 1-4pm; Tue-Fri: 9am-5pm.
