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2010 WVWS Juried Exhibition
"Festival of Colors"
Juror's Statement
When approached to be a juror for the West Virginia Watercolor Society’s summer juried exhibition, Festival of Colors, I expected to find handsomely crafted paintings that embraced the rich, colorful visual traditions of Appalachia.
In terms of quality, I was not disappointed; the standards could not have been higher and the level of technical proficiency was exemplary, which made the selection process for this juror quite difficult.
In addition to the time-honored painting conventions so frequently associated with the medium, I was pleased to find many artists also addressing contemporary themes, displaying innovative visions and approaches within their work, challenging the established boundaries.
The work in this exhibition runs the gamut from highly representational portraiture and landscapes to gestural, abstract paintings utilizing loose, expressive brushwork. No matter your individual preference there is a little something here for everyone, a testament to the quality and diversity of artwork submitted.
A truly effecting juried exhibition is comprised not only of the familiar, palatable staples, but also presents the viewer with something new and unexpected. It is in this way that we—as thoughtful, visual creatures—simultaneously broaden our artistic appreciation and sharpen our aesthetic sensibilities.
Whether self-taught or professionally trained, the artists participating in this exhibit—and the paintings themselves—are certainly representative of the best contemporary watercolorists in the region. I would like to thank Jeannine Romano, president of the West Virginia Watercolor Society, for inviting me to jury this exhibition.
John Farley
Director, Gallery 842
About the Juror
John Farley serves as the Director of the Birke Art Gallery at Marshall University and Gallery 842 in Huntington. Farley is a graduate of the Department of Art and Design at Marshall University and is an adjunct professor of Art.