Juror Mallory Shotwell, Executive Director at Cultivate - a community arts organization in Grand Rapids - accepted the challenge of curating the ACWL-Nuveen annual group contemporary art exhibition. Ms. Shotwell, an artist herself, understood the difficult task and responsibility she had to curate a cohesive exhibit from the 121 distinctive artworks submitted via an online application. This year we were impressed by the 66 talented artists from around the state and as far away as California who submitted their work for consideration. Ms. Shotwell had this to say about how she selected the 25 unique pieces of art for the Juried Show.
“The selection process was guided by several key principles: originality, technical skill, conceptual depth, and balance in its curatorial design. Each submitted work was evaluated not only for its individual merits, but also for its ability to contribute to a cohesive and dynamic exhibition. My goal was to curate an experience that not only highlights individual achievements but also sparks conversation, reflection, and inspiration among viewers.”
Russ Barneveld Amelia Mendelsohn Ann Kraus Jessica Yorko
In her juror’s statement she recognizes the artists selected but goes on to encourage those that were not included this year.
“To the artists who have been selected, congratulations on your exceptional work and your contribution to the ongoing dialogue of contemporary art. To those not selected, know that your talent and passion are invaluable, and I encourage you to continue pursuing your artistic journey with perseverance and curiosity.”
The 2024 Juried Exhibition will include the following artists: Cari Rasor, Montague – Chester Winowiecki, Whitehall – Christopher Jones, Montague – Jessica Yorko, Lansing – Mary Stek, Greenville – Russ Barneveld, Grand Rapids – Amadeus Roy, Royal Oak – Nicole Hayden, Muskegon – Amy Rundquist, Muskegon – Ann Kraus, Whitehall – Timothy Norris, Muskegon – Nicole Szymanski, Westland – Dylan Ackley, Whitehall – Liberty Bane, Montague – Nancy Sackrison, Jenison – Kim Long & Heather Briggs, Kalamazoo – Amelia Mendelsohn, Holland – Jamie Shafer, Muskegon, J.P. McDaniel – Muskegon.
Coinciding with the adult Juried Show is our annual Youth Exhibition. We are currently accepting entries from K-12 artists until Saturday March 9 at 3:00pm. Young artists can submit up to two pieces with a $5 entry fee per piece. Juror Mallory Shotwell will be viewing the artwork in person to award cash prizes in both the adult and youth exhibitions. Thank you to Laura Schultz and Shelby State Bank for sponsoring the Youth Exhibition!
A free public reception for the artists and the award announcements will take place on Saturday March 16 from 1:00 – 3:00pm at the ACWL-Nuveen – 106 E. Colby Street, Whitehall. Please contact us if you have any questions – 231-893-2524 or email – nuveen@artswhitelake.org.