Annual Juried Student Awards Show
Sullivan Taylor Coffee House
Tuesday, April 20 - Friday, May 7, 2010

Zaiga Thorson -Juror's statement

As I entered the WIU campus in Macomb on a clear and sunny April morning, I drove up the steep hill and saw a sign indicating I had indeed found my destination – the Art Gallery. I smiled, happy to be “here” and also because I love old, historic buildings. It seemed so fitting that such a beautiful structure would also house treasures inside.
 
John Graham, Curator of Exhibits, greeted me with a warm smile and soon I was led upstairs to begin the exciting, and sometimes daunting task of serving as juror. As I circled the room to study the 104 pieces entered, I found several unexpected surprises. First, was the quantity and impressive quality of numerous silkscreen prints. Second, was the variety of media, contrast of scale, and unique approaches in both two- and three-dimensional work. Third, was to select the absolute best of the various media submitted. And finally, to include work that goes well beyond the confines of an academic exercise.
 
As I began my selections, the criteria I used were simple: show me something I have never quite seen before. A simple concept, but not so simple to achieve. I was on a search for work that was in some way conceptually and/or aesthetically new and fresh. Show me authenticity. Curiosity. Intellect. Passion. Humor. Tranquility. Juxtaposition. And I found it. In all the work selected, but particularly the award winners.
 
I will let you, the viewer seek out your own personal treasures in this exhibition. For me, that is the joy in looking at and contemplating artwork.
 
My congratulations to all the artists included and the fine faculty who mentor them. You have much to be proud of.
 
Special thanks to John Graham for his kind hospitality and to Professor Bruce Walters for making the connection happen.
 
Sincerely,
 
Zaiga Thorson
Associate Professor of Art, Black Hawk College, Moline, Illinois
April 2010