Archive Mode. Call Shippensburg University 2020 Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition ended on 5/15/20, 11:59 PM. Call settings are read only. See Current Open Calls

Juror's Comments

Ms. Amy McCreech, Adjunct Professor, Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) (Area: Sculpture, 3D work)

"As a whole, I was impressed with the class of 2020's ability to work across mediums. The sculptural work showed a high level of technical skill while ceramics and glass demonstrated innovation. Pieces of note were those that combined technical ability with creative thinking and unexpected applications, like many of the abstract cardboard sculptures and painting that pushed boundaries of the figure, texture, and color. The works that made the best impression were those presented professionally. Images on a white or neutral background, free from visual distractions, even lighting, and cropped accordingly allowed the work to shine. Many students understand composition and proficiency with material, I encourage them all to keep pushing those skills into a territory that allows for personal creative discovery and to embrace what is unique to them as people and artists."  A.M.


Mr. Ry Fryer, Associate Professor, York College of PA (Area: Painting, Drawing, 2D work)

"As a whole, the Shippensburg University Juried Show submissions were very strong. I was particularly impressed by the level of technical proficiency that was apparent in every medium. The best of that work combined technical precision and craftsmanship with creative decision making, uncommon source/subject matter and/or unusual or mixed medium.

That being said, presention is key. There were works that hit all my requirements for inclusion in the show, perhaps even would have merited an award choice. However, poor documention - a bad photo, cropping, lighting, or in the case of 3D work an overly distracting background - kept me from including them. The importance of good professional presentation cannot be overstated. Artwork that is not shown to its best advantage will be dismissed without consideration by the public. My juror choices had to reflect that standard.

Student artists compete visually with both contemporary and historical art. In that arena, an experimental approach to art making is a core skill. Experimental methodology tends to grow art that looks different. That kind of visual difference holds tremendous power in any art profession. My award choices were based on works that combined high technical quality with creative choices, and had something - source, medium, or subject matter, that made them different. In all, it was hard to choose. There were many examples of excellence, and it was a pleasure to view work from a group of great student artists."  R.F.