From the Juror, Miles Conrad of Custom Encaustics LLC

I want to thank the artists of SAAGE and the organizers of The Dance for asking me to jury this exhibition. I will tell you that it is never easy. Having been a working artist myself for the better part of 40 years- I understand the vulnerability it takes to not only place your work in the public eye- but to also place it under the scrutiny of a so-called juror.

So I do not approach this role lightly. I want to thank each and every participating artist for the high level of quality on display throughout the exhibit. I enjoyed the many voices and interpretations on the theme, and was impressed by the skill and variety on display.

This was, without a doubt, a difficult series of decisions to make.

For Best of Show, I selected Desert Dance Crested Saguaro, by Tamara Scott Anderson. This piece surprised me. It drew my attention immediately, asserting its presence and joy- like springtime in the desert. It put me in mind of the fanfare and costumery of a Las Vegas Show or maybe as a proposition for some future kind of Saguaro goddess worship. We need more ways to re-image how our bodies relate to this land we live with.

For Award of Merit, I was seeking a synthesis of technical expertise, unique approaches to the theme, visual and emotional impact, and three different media.

I selected The Red Slipper by Irene Klar, because of its playful energy and the way it beautifully captures the essence of sisterhood.

I selected Posessed by Howard Paley, for its eerie intensity and striking contrast between light and shadow.

I selected Humming Bird Dance By Corrine Babcock, for the truly creative re-imagination of the hummingbird with its intricate iridescent beadwork as a striking piece of wearable art.

For Honorable Mention, I was looking for singular voices. Unexpected and varied takes on the theme. This is a more difficult category to narrow down- because there are many worthy pieces- and I could only choose four when I would have liked to call attention to many more.

I selected Xoxotictochtli by Ralph Philabaum for its opulent detail and sense of mythos.

“Red Slipper” a linotcut and watercolor by Irene Klar.

“The Humming Bird Dance” by Corinne Babcock.

“Xoxotictochtil” watercolor print by Rallph Philabaum.

“Possessed” by Howard Paley.

selected Northern Lights 2 by Stephanie R Nordlin, for its subtle undulations of color and light within the darkness.

I selected Many Shades of White by Peggy Rubin, for its ghostly atmospheric poise between movement and stillness.

I selected Beyonce & Bruno Moves by John Stalano, for its dramatic use of perspective, sense of “show biz” energy, and its ability to ride that fine line between abstraction and figuration.

Thank you again, for this opportunity to witness the work of so many fine artists and I wish I had the platform to acknowledge each and every one of you. Thank you for what you made and contributed to this fun and fantastic exhibition. Enjoy your success.