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, the ACWL-Nuveen Center was impressed by the 66 talented artists from around the state and as far away as California who submitted their work for consideration.
“The selection process was guided by several key principles: originality, technical skill, conceptual depth, and balance in its curatorial design,” Shotwell said. “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.”
In her juror’s statement, she recognized the artists selected and encouraged 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,” Shotwell said. “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 – Olivia Schmick, Ortonville – 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.
The juried show coincides with ACWL-Nuveen’s Youth Exhibition, featuring artwork by local K-12 student artists. Shotwell will be viewing the artwork in person to award cash prizes in both the adult and youth exhibitions.
ACWL-Nuveen thanked 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 Saturday March 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the ACWL-Nuveen – 106 E. Colby Street, Whitehall. Please contact Art’s Council if you have any questions at 231-893-2524 or email nuveen@artswhitelake.org.
