I entered some art work for a local contest this weekend and was dismayed to
find at every grade level (k-5) 24"x36" acrylic canvas paintings, mostly in
abstract style. At every grade level, each of these paintings was awarded a
first place and they were the only ones to receive Grand Prize winning
ribbons. I saw work that was MUCH better, although smaller and less
noticable that did not receive anything. I told the art club promoters that I
could not possibly compete against such size and materials and I didn't think
it was fair that these artworks won most of the ribbons. They were just big
and noticable, not really that great. I wasn't the only to complain and they
said they would put some limits on artwork next year and better educate their
judges.
They could not possible have been done in a classroom with 20 to 25 students.
I wouldn't even have the money to buy 100 24"x36" stretched canvases for a
grade level,let alone store them and have the kids paint on them. An easel
would be required for each art work. I think they should have been entered
as individual works, not works done in the classroom.
Most works in the show were just matted on construction paper. I mounted most
of mine mine and matted a ffour of them in white. I noticed all my first,
second, and third place winners were the ones matted in white, even though
some of the better ones where the ones mounted on construction paper. Go
figure!
