Maryland Arts Directory Triennial Exhibition

Press release from MAP about this terrific Maryland artists exhibition:

In celebration of the talented and diverse array of artists across the state, the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) and Maryland Art Place (MAP) are pleased to present the third Maryland Arts Directory exhibition this month. Held Thursday, May 18 at 6pm, the triennial event will focus on visual artworks, literary works, and performers in the ever growing Maryland Arts Directory, and will be held in tandem with the Bromo Arts & Entertainment District Spring Art Walk.

Maintained by MAP for more than 25 years, the Maryland Arts Directory originated as a regional resource conceived by MSAC. Curators, collectors, and patrons could physically visit MAP to review new visual artworks using slides. As time went by, slides became outdated and an official online resource was created to make access to artworks much more accessible.

The Directory is a free online platform that showcases the high-caliber, diverse, and relevant work of Maryland’s artists and arts organizations and promotes the vitality of Maryland’s arts communities. Collectively, MSAC and MAP aim to present a comprehensive survey of Maryland artists for the Triennial exhibition. 

"We are excited to collaborate with MAP and work with these jurors to showcase the breadth and depth of the work of Maryland's artists," said MSAC Executive Director Steven Skerritt-Davis. "The Directory as an online resource is invaluable, and having the chance to experience participating artists' work in person is sure to be inspiring" 

This year’s roster of talented jurors includes: Jayme McLellan (visual art) - Founder and Director of Civilian Art Projects; José Ruiz (visual art) – Director and Faculty, Curatorial Practices Program at the Maryland Institute College of Art; Rahne Alexander (performance) – intermedia artist, writer and editor; and Gerry LaFemina (literary) – acclaimed poet, writer, professor and critic.

And all of you who have read this blog for the past 20 years know, I always advise that artists must have thick skins!

I applied for this exhibition, but was not accepted.  This is part of the journey of being an artist!

Here's my rejection note, forever preserved!

Hello,

Thank you for your submission to the MSAC Arts Directory Triennial Exhibition.

We received an overwhelming response. Unfortunately, your work was not selected for this exhibition opportunity. Due to the number of applications, we had to be very selective.  Please know this was a tough decision based on capacity and not artist merit. We hope you will continue applying for future opportunities with Maryland Art Place and MSAC. It was an honor and a privilege to review your work. Thank you for all you do as a Maryland creative! 

Warmly,

MAP staff