SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. — Two-dimensional artists deserve an opportunity to have their own exclusive juried exhibition — at least that is the ideology Jason Fong, South County Art Association exhibitions director, had when he created the “Open Juried Paint, Print and Drawing Annual Exhibition” over a decade ago.
Over 80 two-dimensional artworks are on display in this year’s rendition of the exhibition, which opened earlier this month and runs until March 9. Fong said the South County Art Association (SCAA) two-dimensional artists are showcasing a variety of techniques, including, but not limited to, oils, charcoal and prints from SCAA’s own printmaking studio.
Historically, Fong said SCAA had several open juried shows, an annual photography exhibition, Earthworks (their annual ceramic exhibition) and all-media shows in their exhibition schedule, but nothing specially for two-dimensional artists. He felt it was only fair to give the two-dimensional artists a chance to shine in their own juried exhibition. The show was originally entitled “Paint, Print, and Pastel” and, over time, has since expanded to include all drawing, mixed media and collage. Now, the exhibition has a permanent place in their annual schedule.
“I felt that we should have a show that highlighted the work of our painters and other two-dimensional artists as they were, and continue to be, one of the largest components of our membership,” Fong said. “I always thought it was unfair that the only juried shows they could enter were the all media shows where their work was being compared to pottery, sculpture, photography and everything else you can think of.”
Despite being a two-dimensional medium, photography is excluded from the exhibition because photography is a dramatically different artistic process, Fong said. He added that SCAA does have an exclusive photography exhibition up next in their 2024 exhibition schedule.
“Whether applying paint to canvas with a brush, making a line on paper with pencil, or running an inked plate through a press, the common element of all these media is that the artist is physically making a mark in a very hands-on direct process,” Fong said.
The juror for this exhibition is Rebecca Levitan, a painter and assistant teaching Professor at the University of Rhode Island (URI). She has a Bachelor of Arts in art and visual studies from Harvard College and a Masters in Fine Art in painting from the Rhode Island School of Design.
Her paintings have been shown at the NARS Foundation, Morgan Lehman Gallery and Asya Geisberg Gallery, among others. She currently has a solo show at Shin Haus Gallery in New York.
SCAA selected Levitan as juror after listening to a suggestion from a long time SCAA member who also teaches in the art department at URI. Fong said Levitan was an excellent choice for the “Open Juried Paint, Print & Drawing Annual Exhibit.”
“She works in appropriate media(s) and I have had good experiences with URI professors in the past,” Fong said. “Artists who teach are generally good at evaluating artwork critically.”
During the opening reception on February 15, Levitan selected first, second and third place winners, as well as three honorable mentions. Ed Ferszt won first place for “Troy Fight” (limited edition giclee print of original watercolor), Murray Norcross won second place for “World Wide Web” (acrylic) and Susan Brand won third place for “Private Sphere” (oil). The three honorable mentions were given to Michael McCarthy for “The Bath” (oil), Suzanna Starr for “Silence” (acrylic) and Lianne Bythewood for “Woods” (solar print, collage).
As the person who arranges every show, Fong said he sincerely loves how the two-dimensional art allows the gallery to open up and feel more spacious. The largest piece allowed for this exhibition was 48 inches by 48 inches — with only one piece of art fitting these dimensions.
While a four-foot square may seem small, Fong said it seems large on the gallery wall. He enjoys being able to appreciate it from a physical distance.
“Not that I don’t appreciate three-dimensional artists, I am one myself, but removing all the pedestals gives these great unobstructed views of the work on the walls,” Fong said. “It worked out well because some of the works really pushed my size limits for these juried shows.”
Fong said he hopes patrons will leave “Open Juried Paint, Print & Drawing Annual Exhibit” feeling inspired and wanting to create their own work of art.
“Perhaps they will be intrigued enough to take a class or workshop, or even just explore on their own,” Fong said.
South County Art Association is located at 2587 Kingstown Road, Kingston, RI. The gallery is open from Wednesdays through Sunday from 1-5 p.m. For exhibition updates and event information, visit southcountyart.org.
