The Lorain County Region relies on a panel of at least 12 volunteer judges to make the selections and awards for the exhibition each year. The participating art teachers are NOT serving as judges.

Qualifications for Judges

• Visual artists, designers, gallerists, arts administrators, art educators and art professors

• Active or retired art teachers from OUTSIDE the region (Erie, Huron or Lorain Counties)

• Retired art teachers from the inside region that have been retired for at least 5 years at time of judging

• Former regional art students from the class of 2020 or older who have; 1) earned a Scholastic Gold Medal or 2) Earned a 4 or 5 score in AP Art & Design or 3) graduated with a degree in an art or design field or 4) currently working as an artist, designer or art educator outside our region

• Former student teachers of art education who are NOT teaching art in the region

Skills for Judges

• speed-judging/ snap decisions/ receptive to strong first impressions

• ability to focus on the work presented/ evidence

• professional experience in art-making preferred

• experience working with teen art students preferred 

The judges work remotely in teams of 3 to screen assigned categories. Judges will be scheduled in 3 hour shifts 4-7pm EST on Dec. 17 & 18, 2024.

The participating art teachers nominate and refer artists to be invited to our judging panel. Art teachers are challenged to refer at least 1 judge per school by Nov. 11.