Judged or Juried: Know the Jargon

In communicating to members & the public about an art show,
be sure you are communicating what you intend.

Judged or juried?  Open or closed?

Here's a primer on the basic art jargon:

-LSAG qualifier shows are JUDGED shows, meaning that artists can submit their works which will ALL hang in the show & then be evaluated by a judge for awards.  Other organizations also have similar judged shows.  This type of show is appealing to artists of ALL levels, & as such, is an opportunity for local leagues to increase their membership.  


-A JURIED show, on the other hand, is a process where the judge or juror determines who can be in the show IN ADVANCE of the show.  Artists are invited to submit their works for consideration often in jpeg images or even brought in person.  Fees are paid to be considered---NOT to be in the show.  But NOT all pieces are hung, & NOT all pieces are accepted into the show.  The judge/juror selects which will be in & which will not.  This is done in advance of a show's opening.  Artists are notified of acceptance within weeks or a month.  Accepted artists are asked to bring in their pieces on a different day so the show can be hung, & an opening is announced much like that of a gallery opening.  Juried shows may continue for a couple of weeks, a couple of months, or something in between.  Juried shows may additionally be judged for awards, but they are not always judged.  Being selected to be in a juried show is in itself an award & an achievement that artists may include on a resume.  Juried shows often appeal most to a more experienced artist, though this is not a requirement at all.  Artists who enter a juried show need to have developed an understanding of the process & will likewise not be discouraged from practicing their art if their works are not accepted. 


Additionally, shows can be OPEN or have a DEFINED ARTIST GROUP or THEME
-An OPEN show is open to anyone whether they are a member of the group or not.  Open shows are a great way to increase participation in a show, showcase your organization to the public, & increase membership. 


-Other shows may indicate it is for their membership only or some other select media type of artist.  For example, there may be a watercolor show or a show where the subject is on a certain theme such as flowers or landscapes.  This type of show is often referred to as CLOSED or it may simply state it is for membership or name the specific group.

 

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Always read over the prospectus or show information prior to entering a show for details, requirements, deadlines, etc.  When you are on the organizing end of a show, be sure you communicate correctly about the type of show it is.  
Doing so incorrectly may mean that your own goals & that of your organization are not met. 


Provided as a service message for LSAG leagues by LSAG Communications