Juror's Statement - Linda Randall Powles

Thank you for selecting me to serve as Juror for the Western Illinois University
Department of Art Annual Juried Student Awards Show. This was truly a show that
reflects the skill and versatility of both faculty and students. You should be
confident that the range, media, and quality of work presented would impress
your viewers.

The challenge in singling out a group of award recipients was to find pieces
that reflected a criterion including good design and execution while also
containing an element of longevity. This idea of "longevity" requires
completeness to the work and a need for investigation on the part of the viewer.
The art therefore, does not reveal all its dimensions at one tome. You must
spend time with the piece in order to understand and appreciate its value.

Fulfilling this criteria ar Rhythm 2,3,4 (Jared Stumpenhorst) containing layers
of images that pull the observer continually back and forth through the
symbolism, then swirls you out again. Box (Tim Van Ginkel) has combined
flawless execution with a similar investigative element that leads us to the
lost and found edges and visual tension. Two Bears (Jiwon Kim) displays
knowledge of stone and how to handle it and has succeeded in creating constant
movement with an inanimate material. Viewers will need to spend time with these
three pieces and with the remaining artwork.

All the artists took chances with their use of medium and subject matter. That
is wonderful to see. You have captured everyday moments, making comments about
them (Witt, Pitcher). You have attacked an idea with humor (Sindewald, Moore),
or made us reflect on life (Streeter, Myers, DeRocchi). Please continue.

Again, thank you for having me.

L. Randall Powles