From the Juror: 

In this category I’m looking for the Principles and Elements of design and for an

awareness of composition and a creative use of materials. Design can be explored in any

media; it is the foundation of creative expression. A student who masters these skills has a

very good foundation for all other visual art media. I chose a diverse selection to represent the creative process in multiple media using a variety of materials.

From the Juror: 

Ceramics: From the earth, our most primal art making material is most likely clay. A cup, a bowl, a vessel or vase, all are practical and useful forms. There is a need for skill but room for interpretation to get the job done. The selections in this category were imbued with wit, self reflection and exploration.

From the Juror: 

Drawing and Painting  serve as the cornerstone of visual art. They require not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of the artist's unique voice. The entries in this category reveal an array of styles, techniques, and subjects, each offering a distinct window into the artist's perspective and emotional landscape.

From the Juror: 

The study of Fibers is broad-reaching. Usually we think of decorations or clothes, but these entries were not just trendy ponchos or blankets or wall hangings. Instead, these students explored bold statements and commentary on culture, social inequality and consumerism. These were perhaps the most surprising entries for me; they broke free of the expected and really showed me each student’s point of view.

From the Juror: 

A successful metals piece relies heavily on craft; the manipulation of a material that is

inflexible and sharp and often, but not always, comes in contact with skin. When it’s the main material in a work of art, the artist has to contend with making it seem to be something it’s not, or elevating it’s singular presence beyond the expected. In these selections I was struck by the variation of results and combinations of media.

From the Juror:

Photography is tricky. Technically, it has the ability to capture reality.  In my selections for photo, I was looking for what else, other than reality, does the artist want me to see or feel? I want to see their reality. As I looked over the entries, it was clear that Portraiture was going to be the theme throughout these selections. With that in mind, vulnerability stood out to me, as well as the artists’ connections with the subject or the subjects’ connection with themselves.