So, why do we have a juried exhibition? Historically, art communities and schools have an annual exhibit that shows the array of artists who submit work to be judged on its own merit by an impartial juror, who has no ties with any of the artists. The elements of design, balance, color, composition, and style all come into play when there is a competition for limited gallery space. Additionally, acceptance into the exhibition provides exposure and possible purchases of your work. Exhibitions are a big part of an artist’s resume and competing in shows gives an artist credibility and puts their work in front of the public.
This years TASIMJAE is juried by the Executive Director of Tyler Museum of Art, and this could be an opportunity to be recognized for your work by entering your art. For all the benefits of competing in shows and entering open exhibitions and being accepted there is, unfortunately, the other option -rejection. This is a reality that all artists go through in exhibiting their work. I usually rationalize things like, “The juror sucked!”, “They don’t understand my art,” and my favorite one, “The show has been rigged!!” but ultimately you must accept the fact that not everyone is going like your work and that has no reflection on the quality of your work. The jury process makes the artist have more scrutiny about their work and have an honest assessment about where they are on the life journey they have embarked. That said, all jurors are not created equally, and one must not put too much on one person’s opinion, certainly not so much that you stop making art. The qualities an artist must have include a sense of worth, dogged determination, perseverance, and faith in yourself. Never back down from a challenge.
— TASI Executive Director, Greg Busceme
Caleb Bell, a graduate of The University of Texas at Tyler, is the Executive Director of the Tyler Museum of Art. Over the years, he has presented numerous exhibitions at the TMA as well as other institutions across the state. He has served as a Curatorial Advisor for an exhibition at Women & Their Work in Austin, panelist for Texas Commission on the Arts, and juror for a variety of competitions and exhibitions. Additionally, Bell has given talks and presented lectures across Texas. His cultural writings have been published in many publications including Glasstire, Passage, Sightlines, Texas Highways, and Tyler Today. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Center for the Advancement and Study of Early Texas Art (CASETA). In addition to exhibition design and development, he specializes in communication strategy, event coordination, fundraising and graphic design.