Juror Comments
(from Artist Selection press release - 2007 Smithsonian Craft Show)

     Three nationally known art and craft experts met in Washington in November to make the selection, choosing artists of the highest quality in twelve disciplines: basketry, ceramics, decorative fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, wearable art, and wood.

     One third of the artists are new to the 2007 show. The jurors initially viewed the applications electronically before gathering in Washington to jury the work of the top 350, viewing five slides per applicant, conferring with one another, but voting individually.

     Citing what informed the jurors’ choices, Helen W. Drutt English, noted educator and founder/director of Helen Drutt, Philadelphia, one of the first galleries in the U.S. to be devoted entirely to international contemporary craft, stated, “We sought to get the best quality, reveal innovative ideas, and bring to the fore the central theme of how artists work.” Michael W. Monroe, Executive Director and Curator of the Bellevue Arts Museum, agreed, remarking that evidence of a solid grounding in technique was also an important criterion in their judging.

     Juror Gerhardt Knodel, Director of the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield, MI, was particularly impressed by the works that used multiple elements in unexpected ways. He also noted the breadth of talent represented, stating that the 2007 Show will bring together well-seasoned artists and new talent in the celebration of craft as the art form of useful objects. Monroe said, “The show is very diverse [and full of] objects to tantalize your mind, to enlighten you. By looking at works of art, we learn something about ourselves.”

     Michael Monroe also spoke of the value the show imparts to visitors by providing them the chance to meet the artists. [An innovation of the 2007 show is a series of “Booth Chats” in which artists will be available on a publicly scheduled basis in their exhibition booths to talk about their work with visitors to the show.]

     Noting that in today’s society of high speed communication and instant gratification we seldom see the person behind the object, Juror Monroe commented, “This show grants you the opportunity to see and make a human connection [with] people who actually have taken the time to learn and master something in order to create the work. We need to embrace the work of the hand and the mind, the work of the creator and problem solver.” He believes that the 2007 Smithsonian Craft Show will inspire visitors to do just that.