The Three Rivers Arts Festival has always been a place where established and emerging artists could come together to share their art with the public. Since the beginning of the festival, the Juried Visual Art Exhibition has been a major part of the festivities. The exhibition was begun as a regional show but eventually expanded to allow entries from around the country. In 2007, the Juried Art Exhibition was discontinued for three years but was brought back to the festival last year by popular demand. This year, over 300 artists applied and 60 were selected to show their work.
An esteemed panel of jurors judges the artwork and awards the artists. This years ‘Best in Show’ went to Dennis Childers for his “Window” photography and video installation. Childers photographed the window across the street from him downtown over a length of time and throughout the seasons. When grouped together in the exhibition, the windows seem to be an opening into another world. The progression of time is fascinating to see and the transformation of such an ordinary space is intriguing to witness.
Also notable are artists Mia Tarducci Henry, who received the Juror’s Choice Award for “Give and Take” an oil painting on canvas. Ben Matthews received the Juror’s Choice Award for his piece “Ghost Wall: Whiskey and Eggs Revolt.” Carrie Smith also received the Juror’s Choice Award for her “Intercept sculptural installation.
The variety of art and creativity on display at the Juried Arts Exhibition is a breathtaking experience. This show has long played an important part in the history of the Three Rivers Arts Festival and is one of the best places to purchase a truly unique piece of art for collections. The Juried Arts Exhibition can be found at the Cultural Trust Arts Education Center on Liberty Avenue. It is open everyday until 6pm from now until the end of the festival. This is a show that is not to be missed this year at the Three Rivers Arts Festival.
Originally posted June 8, 2011 11:35pm by Emily O’Donnell at http://www.3riversartsfest.org/2011/06/juried-art
