Welcome to SC Watermedia Society’s 47th Annual National Exhibition. We would like to thank the SC Arts Commission for making this exhibition a possibility, as this project is funded in part by the South Carolina Arts Commission which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Included below is an Exhibition Award Winners’ LookBook and a virtual gallery of all pieces juried into this year’s exhibition by juror Ken Call. You can explore the pieces here online or in person at the Franklin G. Burroughs – Simeon B. Chapin Museum.
From the Judge, Ken Call
It has been a great honor to be invited as juror for the 47th Annual National Exhibition of the SCWS. There were many quality entries which made selecting the exhibition pieces and the award winners wuiate a challenge. It is refreshing to see such a variety of work using different water media, different styles and appraocjes-all displayed side-by-side. I take this moment to congratulate those whose work is diplayed and those awarded this year. I would like to extend my gratitude to all of the board members and volunteers wth SCWS who have made this show not only possible, but also succesful! Your labor helps elevate the art of watermedia artists in South Carolina as well as the nation.
It’s a cliche to say different judges will choose a different show, but it is indeed the truth. Art is personal; so is judging art. I don’t take this undertaking lightly. I first close the work that speaks to me intellectuall, emotionally, aesthetically. Once I narrowed down the selection, then I looked further at the mastery of the medium and the technical merit evident in the work. Last, but certianly not least, the creativity I find in the piece is very important to my final selection and award determination.
About the Juror
Born and raised in Rochelle, Illinois, Ken went on to graduate from the American Academy of Art in 1980 with an associate degree in illustration and Watercolor. He has worked as a a national freelance artist for many years and spent 1993 and 1994 studying and painting in Paris, France. He now lives in Northbrook Illinois with his wife and two children.
After beginning his career as a studio artist, he soon branched out on his own, starting a successful freelance career, which to date has led to the creation of over 500-illustrations for books, magazine, art publishers, advertising agencies and corporation. In the last few years, Ken has made the transition to fine art and portraiture. Many of his originals are hanging in galleries and homes across the country. Several awards have led to Signature status in the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, Missouri Watercolor Society, Montana Watercolor Society along with being a Master Signature member with the Transparent Watercolor Society of America and Illinois Watercolor Society.
