HOUSTON, TEXAS ~ On Saturday, March 4, Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) offers members and guests a rare insight into a juror’s selection process for art competitions with a free discussion by three prominent figures in the Houston art world: Jennifer Justice, Executive Director of Galveston Arts Center; Lester Marks, Mayor’s Ambassador to the Arts.; and Zoya Tommy, owner of Zoya Tommy Gallery. The free presentation begins at 10:00 a.m. at the Freed-Montose Neighborhooud Library, 4100 Montrose, Houston, 77006.

The three speakers, all of whom have been jurors for VAA, will discuss their selection processes when judging a competition. Previously submitted works will be projected for the audience, and panelists will discuss the selection/elimination process applied to each work. Artists will discover the whys and hows of selection from a juror’s point of view, including the constants of technique and presentation as well as the unique personal biases of jurors.

“VAA is so pleased to be able to present this first-hand look into a juror’s thought process. Every artist who has ever entered a competition wonders what makes a piece worthy of selection. What does a juror look for? How does a juror’s background affect the selection process? These are the questions the morning’s session will investigate,” says Matt Adams, President at VAA. “This is a rare opportunity for artists to get inside the mind of a juror and learn how to make each submission the best.”

Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) is an educational organization for serious practitioners of the visual arts and interested members of the general public. Founded in Houston, TX in 1981, VAA is an all-volunteer-run, 501(c)3, nonprofit organization. In addition to educational and recreational programs, VAA also produces professionally juried art exhibitions providing opportunities for members and non-members to have their work professionally judged and viewed by the general public.  For membership details and more information, visit www.visualartsalliance.org.