Annual Juried Student Awards Show
Tuesday, April 17 - Friday, May 4, 2007

Joel Peck -Juror's statement

Selecting the works for this show was not only a difficult task, but an overwhelming task to say the least.  To see such a large number of submissions was very encouraging.  However, I then suddenly realized that it was my mission to try and select a show from the pieces before me.

Seeing the works submitted, and ultimately selecting the show was an uplifting experience, one that had me charged and enthused.  I sincerely enjoyed the differing ideas and thoughts, a wide range of artistic intent that had me slightly dizzy, yet unexpectedly captivated.  I responded mostly to the works that seemed to have strong personal meaning to the creator.  They were, in large part, works that I ultimately felt a personal connection to as well.  And as I write this statement, many of these works continue to resonate in my thoughts.  I found that, for me, the show developed itself.  As works spoke to me (as well as with each other), they fell into groupings that arose out of the endless amount of submissions.

While the amount of works in the show may be slightly large, they are all very deserving.   I feel very comfortable with the works selected, and intrigued by many of them.  The community at Western Illinois University should be thrilled to see such unique and fresh ideas emanating from this show, which is a direct reflection of the methods and concepts currently being taught.  Each work selected was visually compelling and challenging, and some both heartfelt and stirring.  I look forward to seeing these works within the context of the entire show.

Joel Peck
April 2007
Sycamore, Illinois