Association for Visual Arts will host a wine and cheese reception honoring the artists featured in the 2018 Juried Member Show on Friday, Sept. 7. Beginning at 6 p.m., the event will be held in AVA’s Main Gallery, 30 Frazier Ave. The celebration is open to the public and free of charge. The 2018 Juried Member Show remains on view through Sept. 19.
An established tradition, the Juried Member Show has been an annual exhibition throughout AVA’s 35-year history. Executive Director Jen Lewis considers the Juried Member Show “one of AVA’s signature exhibits.”
“Every year, the Juried Member Show radiates with eclectic excitement. Not only does this show illuminate the diversity, skills and perspectives of exceptionally accomplished individuals, it also punctuates the scope and depth of Chattanooga’s creative capital. The 2018 exhibit salutes the talent of fifteen extraordinary artists,” Ms. Lewis said.
Kreneshia Whiteside, chief curator at AVA, explained the details related to the jury process. “A juried art show is a competition that requires artists to submit photographs of work they would like to exhibit,” said Ms. Whiteside. “After receiving all eligible photographs, a panel of independent artists or art professionals evaluates and scores each photograph without knowing the identity of the artist. A blind review assures jurors consider each work without bias or influence.”
Three North Shore business owners, who are also artists and art collectors, chose the work presented in the 2018 Juried Member Show. “We approached Tina Harrison, Denise Shropshire and Bruce Weiss, the proprietors of blue skies and River Street Deli, respectively, “ said Lewis. “Collectively, Tina, Denise, and Bruce have a refined understanding about composition/design, medium, technique and originality. We knew their efforts would spotlight exceptional art, and we are grateful for their efforts.”
According to Ms. Whiteside, jurors also designated one work of art as Best of Show. "This special recognition offers the winning artist the opportunity to have a solo exhibition in the Main Gallery at AVA. AVA will reveal the award winner during the opening reception," she said.
The 2018 Juried Member Show includes 23 works of art created by 15 artists. The artists are Kevin Bate, Michael Brady, J. Reid Brown, Olena Burykina, Sean Clark, Amber Droste, Leslie Dulin, Lacy Ezell, Melissa Gates, Donald Keefe, Arline Mann, Anthony (Tony) Russo, Kelly Spell, Joy Taylor and Maria Willison.
For more information about the 2018 Juried Member Show and/or about AVA, contact Jen Lewis, executive director, at jlewis@avarts.org or 423-265-4282.