Calling all artists: JFAA 48th Annual Art Show deadline nears

All types of artists in and around Jamestown have one week to register for the annual arts show in Jamestown.

The registration deadline for the Jamestown Fine Arts Association 48th Annual Art Show is Thursday and all art is welcome, said Sally Jeppson, gallery manager at the Arts Center.

“It’s a great community show because anybody who wants to enter can,” Jeppson said. “They can enter up to three pieces, and it’s not juried until everything comes in, and then it’s juried just for prizes.”

This show has been going on in Jamestown since 1976 and historically Jeppson said there’s been up to 60 artists and 110 pieces.

All work across all media is eligible also long as it’s safe, ready to display, framed and wired to be hung.

All artwork must be original, made within the last three years and cannot have been previously exhibited at the Jamestown Arts Center. Each artist is allowed three entries.

In the past Jeppson has seen all types of art, everything from paintings, photographs, quilts, fiber pieces, ceramics, vases, sculptures, wood carvings and small-scale to the occasional large-scale piece of art.

Terry Jelsing, a professional artist based out of Rugby, N.D., will juror the show. Jelsing consults with artists statewide and teaches art at Dakota College in Bottineau. He has juried many shows in North Dakota and the region.

“Art is like life because, as we go through life, we are changed by it,” Jelsing said in a press release.

Prizes will be given in categories if there is a sufficient number of entries within the category. If there are not enough entries the pieces will be considered for the best of show award.

“I am encouraging folks to participate because their work gets to be on display in the wonderful new space with great lighting,” Jeppson said. “It’s just an even nicer venue that it was before.”

Kent Horton, 91, has submitted photographs for the competition since 1984.

While photography is a hobby for him, Horton said this is his opportunity for recognition.

“I enjoy it and occasionally I get an award and that kind of pumps me up a little bit,” Horton said.

This is the first time the show has been held in the summer. Typically it has been a spring show and Jeppson hopes to make it a fall tradition starting next year.

Previous shows have been comprised of entries from professionals, amateurs and hobbyists.

Jeppson said the show is popular because if the artist wants to sell their work this is one of the best opportunities to do it.

“We sell more work out of this show than any other show at the Arts Center,” she said.

The show opens Aug. 4 with a community ceramics event in the Arts Park.

Registration forms can be picked up at the Arts Center or found online at www.jamestownartscenter.org under the exhibits tab at the top of the page and then by clicking JFAA Annual Juried Show at the right of the page. Forms can also be obtained by emailing Jeppson at sjeppson@

jamestownartscenter.org.

Sun reporter Ben Rodgers can be reached at 701-952-8455 or by email at brodgers@jamestownsun.com

Tags: diversions, arts