In 2018, Edward Goldman looks at some of his selections. Since 1987 we have had only one juror per show.

By Debra Thompson, Brand 47 Chair

Our Annual Juried Art Exhibition is, no doubt, our organization’s biggest project of the year. Brand 47, coming up in October, 2019, will be just like the others – a logistical and fun-filled challenge. We work closely with the library staff to juggle many tasks – the call to artists, physically caring for the large variety of artworks delivered, designing and mounting the show, creating publicity, hosting the reception and awards ceremony and getting the artworks returned to their creators – or new owners if they are purchased.

The key to our success hinges on the choice of our juror, as – let’s face it – the choice of works determines the quality and success of the show. Since 1987, that choice has been placed in the hands of a single juror. Prior to that we either had 2 or 3 jurors working together – making the task more complex. Jurying a show of this magnitude is an honor. However, it is laborious, requiring many hours to view and evaluate hundreds of pieces of art. We provide our juror with an honorarium but, of course, jurors are rarely, if ever, motivated by the money. It is a labor of love for art, their passion for supporting working artists and their appreciation of the role played by the Brand in the cultural life of our community.

The juror’s job starts with viewing digital images of the works submitted. Brand 46 saw 1,000 pieces submitted. The digital images do not reveal the artists identity or the texture and materials used; the only information given is dimensions and media, although in digital form all images appear to be the same size. From this viewing, the juror selects his/her best 80-100 artworks. Experience and viewpoint determine what is selected; we give no guidance to the juror. In 47 years, our jurors have included, curators, gallery owners, art educators, critics and artists working in a variety of media. Every show is different and unpredictable.

Photo: Glendale News Press. In 1971 our 2 jurors, artists Joe Mugnaini, left and John Martineau, review some of their selections with Associates members Betty Shuss and Betty Crosby.

Sometimes the juror’s choices reveal common characteristics, e.g., bold or muted colors, abstraction or figurative subject matter, pieces that telegraph a long distance or are best viewed up close. Once the chosen artworks are delivered to Brand, the juror comes in to evaluate them in person to select a Juror’s Award. The juror also helps the Brand Board of Directors choose five other award-worthy pieces.

Our juror attends the lively opening reception, a party if there ever was one! The artists, in particular, enjoy meeting the juror and for some this provides a unique opportunity to discuss their art with a prominent arts professional. Over the years, our jurors have expressed their delight in the high standards maintained in the Brand gallery space and the installation of the show.

The search is on for a juror for Brand 47! The opening reception is September 7, 2019 and we look forward to seeing you there!