LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Society of Artists announces a call for entries to its 26th Annual Art Kaua‘i show, opening Sept. 18 with an artist’s reception and presentation by show juror Neida Bangarter. Artists may bring their works from 11 a.m.
LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Society of Artists announces a call for entries to its 26th Annual Art Kaua‘i show, opening Sept. 18 with an artist’s reception and presentation by show juror Neida Bangarter. Artists may bring their works from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 11 to the KSA exhibition space in Kukui Grove Center.
Art Kaua‘i is KSA’s premier show and noteworthy for its status as a curated show. It is the only Kaua‘i exhibit visited by the acquisition committee of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts with the intention of recommending works to be purchased for the renowned state Art in Public Places collection.
“KSA and our island contemporary artists demonstrate remarkable depth and breadth, but do not always take full advantage of the annual juried show,” wrote James Jennings, SFCA Kaua‘i commissioner, in an e-mail. “This juried show is the vehicle and venue whereby important work might find its way into the state collection, representative pieces of which are vital to our Art in Public Places programs.”
All potential entries will be reviewed by Bangarter, director of the Shaefer International Gallery at Maui Arts & Cultural Center.
“Initially I am captured by a work of art visually and then I explore the meaning,” Bangarter said in a press release. “Above all I think our community shows need to be kept at a high level of excellence to continually inspire and challenge the artist as well as the viewer.”
Bangarter is a chairperson for the upcoming Shaefer Portrait Challenge, a juried portrait exhibition with a $10,000 grand prize. During her Sept. 18 presentation “The Jury Process,” she will offer insights to artists on the Shaefer competition.
“I think the job of the artists is to convince us to linger and experience the thoughts, emotion and ideas behind their work,” she said. “Inventive material use, technical skill and craftsmanship are important criteria for a juror, along with recognition of a range of styles.”
Each year KSA hosts an arts professional to jury the show. Art Kaua‘i is an opportunity for artists to have their work critiqued, whether or not works are selected for the show.
“It’s a difficult process for artists to go through,” said artist and show chairperson Sally French. “If your work is not exhibit-ready you need to open up to advice that may help you get it ready.”
Art Kaua‘i can feature as few as 30 artists or up to 70, French said.
On Sept. 11 resident Kaua‘i artists can submit up to three pieces for the selection process, at $8 per entry for members, $12 for non-members. Non-members may join KSA upon entry.
Awards will be announced at the show’s opening, 6 p.m. Sept. 18. Last year Fanny Bilodeau, Wayne Miyata and Licia McDonald were SFCA acquisition awardees.
On average the SFCA purchases two to five pieces from the exhibition.
“The state wants to collect Kaua‘i artists, so we need to show more work,” French said.
Work will be accepted in all media, including video, installation, painting, fiber arts, jewelry (must include means of display), photography and sculpture.
There is no size limit and no framing parameters, although all works must have intentional presentation, be dry, safe and sturdy enough to handle.
The KSA entry committee may refuse pieces that are not ready for presentation.
Shrink-wrapped art and matted art lacking framing are not appropriate for this show.
Because KSA makes use of a Kukui Grove Center-sponsored mall space all entrants to the show are asked to gallery-sit two, three-hour shifts during the six-week show in order to ensure security and keep the gallery open to the public from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
“We are putting on this show as an arts organization, so whether your piece is chosen or not it’s important to support the artists whose work was selected,” French said.
Bangarter will comment on her selections and ideas about the show during “The Jury Process,” at 4 p.m. Sept. 18.
Following the presentation will be a walk-and-talk tour of the gallery.
The show runs through Oct. 28.
“This is the one (KSA) show with the high bar,” French said.
“We are connected at the state level with this show. The juror knows that and she’s going to give us a good show.”
• Pam Woolway, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 257 or pwoolway@kauaipubco.com.
What: Art Kaua‘i 2010
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sept. 11
Where: Kukui Grove Center KSA exhibition space
Opening reception:
6 p.m. Sept. 18
Show runs through Oct. 28
