On Jurying Again...

The December exhibition "Affordable Art Fair" requires jurying because each year we have far more submissions than space on the wall. The purpose, therefore, is to select a balance of media and styles so that we can present a diverse and high quality exhibition for the entire community to experience. The purpose is not, however, to educate and help the artist improve their work. There are jury processes that are precisely for that purpose, and artists wanting that sort of guidance should seek out juried shows that feature that educational component, such as arts festivals and FCA membership. At SAGA, our two juried shows per year are selected for curatorial reasons - to create a cohesive exhibition with a diversity of media and styles. The jurors have a tough job - they have to envision the exhibition before it's in place, looking at each individual work in terms of how it fits in with the thematic concept of the exhibition. They are building an exhibition from the ground up in a matter of hours. Our standards have risen over the years as we move toward the provincial and federal arts mandates, which is to promote artistic excellence. Many of our artists have moved along that road with us, producing more and more fantastic work each year. We're so pleased to be able to present our local artists in our beautiful venue, where anywhere from 500 to 1000 people per month will see their work.