Rejected and told why, sort of

Although I certainly wanted to be accepted into the Upper Arlington Arts Festival -- a show in a wealthy suburb of Columbus OH that my customers say I HAVE to start doing -- the sting almost went away when I read the line in the rejection email that said juror comments were available upon request.

What???  They'll actually share the jury notes and we don't even have to beg?

Thinking this was too good to be true, I jumped on the offer right away and shot back a request for comments.  And today, about a week later, the blessed news arrived.

First there was a brief description of the jury composition, the judging process and the scoring mechanism.  Then my score on a 7-point scale.  Then the median score in my category.  Finally, the jurors' verbatim comments.

Wow.  Really impressive.  More detail than I've ever received.  A little confusing because all the jurors' comments were quite positive, yet I didn't even make the wait list.  The other applicants must have been really good, and I say good for them.

I feel so positive about this show's transparency and respectful behavior that I will happily donate my jury fee again next year.  I'm even feeling inspired to pull out the sketchpad and try to up my game with some new and improved work in the hopes of improving my score next year.

So if you'll be in the Midwest over Labor Day weekend in 2015, give this show a try.  You'll find them on Zapp.

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  • I have a friend who was waitlisted for 2 shows that I was accepted to.  She contacted them and they said her booth was what caused her to not get in.  Her work is great.. so she knows now how important that booth shot is.  I realized the ones I used I took with my cell phone at a show I did this year and I didn't photo shop out the wrinkles on the one cloth etc.. but I think the overall feel and layout of the booth is what they liked.

  • I have collected an impressive list of rejections this year, so I have been reading this topic with interest and appreciation. What is the polite way to ask for feedback, though? Is there an etiquette to follow? Do you generally call the phone numbers listed on their website? 

  • A long way, Karen. Just when you think all the shows are on Zapp, or JAS, you find out that there are some that are still using downloadable pdfs, asking people to send in photos, etc., mailing applications. All shows are different and many of them are hardly aware of what the others are doing. BUT, we keep talking, best practices kept in mind, and things will happen.

  • Connie, I have to say that one of the reasons I was so impressed with Upper Arlington's response is that I have called and emailed other shows in the past, asking for jury scores and comments, and generally get no answer, a "sorry, that info isn't available" answer, or an attempt to provide info but it's really just about the jury process rather than my individual results.

    So I think we have a long way to go before we achieve transparency but, hey, baby steps, right?

  • Kathleen Caid -- be assured show directors do read this site. I called someone today to get some info about a show and started to introduce myself and she replied she did know who I was and listens to our podcasts and reads this site.

    This is such a positive discussion about asking for info from the shows. As social media is ever prevalent, and show organizers read, they realize the need for transparency and will respond, most of the time. Folks, don't be shy about calling the shows when you have questions or need help. Just don't call on "jury day", or the day after jurying or the week of the show. Few events have much staff and most of the show people wear many hats and really scramble to have all the details taken care of. You'll get better attention and likely a more thorough response if you time your inquiry.

  • It is so helpful to have the opportunity to learn from the comments.  This year, 2 of the shows that I applied to offered feedback on request.  I learned so much from it, and have been busily  planning how to make changes.  I so wish that other shows would offer the same courtesy.  

  • I think the broom maker needs to be in his own separate area.  He can't possibly be "juried" on the same basis as us mere mortals.

  • I was curious about a show in California  (I was rejected) and was told all my scores, who juried, and why I was rejected.  It was not my art it was my display..... grids instead of panels and too much artwork!....they want it to look like a gallery.  I was afraid that was the problem.  An expensive fix, but at least I know my art was OK.  I am so grateful for them letting me know.  I wish more shows would.

  • I wonder what the Amish broom makers scored. I remember the public radio spots they did when I lived in Columbus. They featured the Amish broom makers. They are really popular with the UA crowd.

  • That's great, Karen.  It's so helpful when shows respond like that.  I have talked with several directors when I have been rejected multiple years after getting into other big shows.  One show told me they only pick 12 painters.  That made me feel a lot better.  12 painters out of hundreds of applicants didn't make me feel like a reject!  It's so helpful to know where you can up the ante with possible better results.

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