2011 Fine Art Fair Jury & Judging Process

Fine Art Fair Artist Selection

Over 800 artists from around the country submitted images of their art in hopes of becoming one of these years’ exhibitors in the Fine Art Fair. To select the final group a panel of six art professionals and art collectors score each artist’s work.

Jurors for the 2011 Fine Art Fair were:

• Cortney Boyd (professor & artists-glass)
• Sun Kyoung Kim (professor & artists – metal)
• Katherine Kaminski (professor & artists – sculpture)
• Jeff McSweeney (professor & photographer)
• Andy Rogers (artist – ceramics/drawing)
• James Petran (artist – printmaking)
• Dr. George & Norma Kottemann (supporters of the arts, collectors and George serves on the board of directors for the Peoria Art Guild)

Once the jurors reviewed all of the artists and work, the artists with the top scores in each medium were then invited to participate. This year’s Fine Art Fair artists are traveling from 26 states and Canada with 52 first time exhibitors.

On the Saturday of the Art Fair, the judges review all of the artists’ works, score and determine the select group of artists who will be awarded $10,000 in cash awards. Awards distributed are 1 Best of Show, 10 Awards of Excellence and 10 Honorable Mentions. All award winners receive an invitation to return to the upcoming Fine Art Fair 2012, which will be the Peoria Art Guild’s 50th Fine Art Fair.

Make sure to see the award postings on Sunday morning. Come back to see if your favorite artist won!

The 2011 on-site judges are Patrick Hammie, Kim Humphries and Dennis Slape.

Featured Poster Artist, Chicago Ceramic Sculpture Artist, Gregory Story, Booth 147

The Story behind the Story . . .

Where did they come from? Who can say? The delightful ceramic wall balls selected for the Peoria Art Guild 49th Annual Fine Art Fair Poster inspire happiness in those around them. Each ball, a unique piece of art, though displayed interactively, is a perfect representation for the Fine Art Fair this year, as the work is designed as an intersection of sophistication and fun, which is what the Fine Art Fair is all about!

Gregory Story, the creator of the “Great Balls of Peoria” originally set out to precariously stack his circular pieces by challenging the forces of gravity, in the form of totems. At some point, the balls begged to be free of structure, taking on a life of their own, suspended as wall sculpture. Once on the wall, the balls continue to evolve their style of installation as they roll onto new surfaces and places; living on stairwells, crawling over windows and doors, “knocking” the large painting out of its traditional home above the fireplace or sofa.

Each piece begins its life being slip cast and hand-carved by Gregory. The glazing is hand done by the artist as well, and the final appearance is accomplished through multiple firings. Colorful and vibrant, the brightness of the pieces is achieved by using semi-transparent glazes on a white earthenware clay body. The result is light yet sturdy one of-a-kind balls that singularly are fantastic, though they work wonderfully as a collection. The next story behind these great pieces by Gregory Story, is up to you to write. Select the personality that speaks to you and see where they beg to placed in your home. They are sure to bring you much joy and delight.