Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Overcrowding is a good problem to have, and as awareness of Forum 35’s Art Melt has grown steadily in its first four years, so has congestion. Unfortunately the city’s largest, most talked-about juried exhibition is facing a more deep-seeded issue, one that could threaten its reputation as a premier art event in Baton Rouge.
A significant number of the city’s most talented artists are not submitting their work. And according to some, this silent boycott will continue until Art Melt makes significant changes.
Painter Hunter Roth calls the event a “horse-and-pony show” held in a space—Brunner Gallery at the Shaw Center for the Arts—that is too small for the crowds Art Melt attracts. Roth’s work has been shown at Art Melt before, but he chose not to submit this year.
“The judges are just looking at (submitted) images on a computer, not at actual pieces or resumes, so you get a lot of stuff that’s like craft design senior projects,” Roth says. “It’s a complete turn-off, really.”
Photographer and film editor Britt King says Art Melt must do a better job of drawing a distinction between fine art and work that results from crafts and hobbies.
“It’s an editing problem,” King says. “Art Melt needs to have a higher standard and let fewer submissions in. It’s great that you have 3,000 people coming, but if the quality isn’t there, that’s 3,000 people you’re telling that this crap is art.”
According to King and Roth, a certain group of local artists don’t want their work shown on the same walls with some other Art Melt pieces because when different works are exhibited together the curators are presenting them as equals. A sizeable percentage of work accepted, they believe, is artistically questionable.
Other Baton Rouge artists would speak with 225 only on the condition of anonymity. They say Art Melt is merely a social event where few in attendance take the work seriously, or none take the time to really experience it. One even suggested that Art Melt establish a thesis to hold the entire exhibition together.
Demond is a local painter whose work has shown each year at Art Melt. He entered again this spring because he likes seeing his output up against that of other artists, even if he thinks Art Melt has its faults. The exhibition, Demond says, is far too conservative. “The cutting-edge pieces are not the ones that win,” he says. “I think it has been older people who judge, and they are not looking for anything new.”
The 2008 juror is Sean Ulmer of the Cedar Rapides Museum of Art. Ulmer is a University of Toledo graduate with curatorial experience at Cornell and the University of Michigan. Forum 35’s Art Melt Committee, chaired by Chris Brooks, John Jackson and Dr. Ashley Stokes, chose Ulmer as this year’s sole juror in an effort to streamline the judging process.
The committee sets guidelines for the juror and a quota for selections, which this year is about 70 pieces. Stokes says she wouldn’t want to limit entries to much fewer than that, because one goal of the event is to showcase a variety that will appeal to a wide array of people, a necessity, she says, when more than 5,000 attend.
“I’ve talked to these artists, and called some to ask them to submit,” Stokes says. “They all have their different reasons, but if they don’t submit then the community loses out. We want art to be the focus of Art Melt, and we’re working hard to make it better each year.”
Stokes says rather than wholesale changes to Art Melt she favors starting a new juried show for the fall, one that is smaller and more selective and might appeal to the Art Melt holdouts.
But even if a separate event blossomed, Roth still has doubts.
“If Forum 35 backed an LSU School of Art show, they’d get the same response,” Roth says. “Their events bring their crowd, and then the artists bring their own crowd. And those social circles have very different ideas about art.”
Art Melt is going to be popular this year. There is little reason it shouldn’t be. On July 11, Brunner Gallery will overflow with art lovers, socialites, musicians, performance troupes and craftspeople selling their creations. But when talented artists in the city refuse to participate or criticize Art Melt as they do, they are making an argument that Forum 35 is not listening to the entire community and not fulfilling the event’s obligation to promote the very best of Baton Rouge. If these artists are right, then perhaps both an art form and a culture are being cheated.
And no matter how many thousands attend Art Melt, that is a problem that must be addressed. artmelt.org
For a list of Art Melt's selected artists, click here.
Comments
Posted by jamesaycock on June 3, 2008 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Artists submit works to make changes.
Posted by jamesaycock on June 3, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"The color of the object illuminated partakes of the color of that which illuminates it." Leonardo da Vinci
(Your submitted works can influence the integrity of the event); and if they are truly great, their brilliance will not be dimmed by a lesser light.
Posted by dashes on June 4, 2008 at 1:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
At the two planning meetings I've attended for a local art criticism publication the only consistent conversation between both of them amongst the attending local art-scene heavy hitters has been Art Melt bashing. It was so vitriolic I really had to chalk it up more to personal/group prejudice or jealousy than any real objective assessment of what the Art Melt succeeds or fails to do for the art community or the community at large.
As someone who appreciates fine art but also sees the gulf that exists between the art community and the community at large, I think the art community needs lay off a bit and come wallow with the rest of us commoners or take the risk of appearing too good for this town and further alienating the larger community in the process. Art Melt certainly has its faults: it's too crowded to get a good look at the pieces and yeah, there are a number of people there that could care less about art. But I think that if an event can put thousands of people in downtown Baton Rouge under the auspices of celebrating the art that this town has to offer, then it's doing more good than harm and is worthy of the entire communities support, including the fine art community.
The argument of what constitutes legitimate, fine or good art is much bigger than Art Melt, and it appears this events success will only continue to grow regardless of who is making the calls on such criteria. If the Art Melt dissenters would get off their soap boxes and maybe try to appreciate Art Melt for the community exercise that it is even if they can't get behind the art being displayed, I can only think that it will prove beneficial to their cause in the long run.
Posted by rocketing_skyward on June 4, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i expect a more objective view from 225 but is seems Jeff has his own issues with Art Melt. might i suggest that he join the committee? and Hunter.....we'd love to have your input as well. i challenge ALL dissenters to get involved and help this very important event evolve from year to year. exposing your art to 5000 people CANNOT be a bad thing.
Posted by 3774StudioGallery on June 4, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This seems more like a 7th grade clique issue than a 'problem'. The article should have included who the judges have been and how and why they are selected. Some of the people quoted were rejected in the past and we can only wonder if that is the fuel for their fire. Further, this year's entries still consisted mostly of Baton Rouge artists. Forum 35 and Art Melt do wonderful things for our community, and do not choose the work in the show. Instead they go to great lengths to find, and pay for, objective judges from outside of our community. I, as a member of this community, do not want to see the same art work at every show. I agree with pp, if these people want to change it, get involved. DO something for your community, don't just talk about it.
Posted by Jezebel on June 4, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If Forum35 is going to ask artists to PAY to be judged and rejected then I would expect that Forum35 would be able to handle criticism as well. Instead of making this an issue of cliques or whether or not someone got into the show, it should be an opportunity to listen to critique and truly think about it. Instead I see the organization getting defensive and whining about how hard they work....so does every other non-profit, what matters is how WELL you serve the people you think your benefitting. The fact is Forum is built on exclusivity, even their invitation letter expouses the economic well-being of its members, it is a social club, not a art organization. That being the case Forum either needs to call the show what it is; a party with art in the corner or step it up based on criticism from both supporters and dissenters.
Is isn't Forum15 afterall, the organization needs to grow up and think about what its doing not how many people attend. Downtown and Baton Rouge is already well versed in how to throw a good party, what it lacks is an art economy.
Posted by Jeff_Roedel on June 4, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is not a column, editorial or rant of mine personally, and any attempt to pin it as such is an attempt to minimize the issue. This is an objective and fair reporting of a rift in the city's arts community between a number of accomplished artists and an art event. It is something to discuss with civility. Ad hominem attacks have no place in this debate. Both Art Melt representatives and artists were interviewed and their views made known. The opinions printed are nothing different from those that have been discussed around town months, if not years before. Rocketing Skyward, I have no personal issues with Art Melt. I have attended a few times in the past and even had a short film shown there last year. I'd like to know what part of the story gave you this impression. Or is it the existence of the story itself? In that case, my defense is easy: It is nothing personal, and I'm just doing my job. Objectivity, as you put it, does not mean sweeping all debate and criticism under the rug.
Posted by jamesaycock on June 4, 2008 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"That’s 3,000 people you’re telling that this crap is art.”
3,000 people may be able to decide for themselves; there may have been an artist or two before the birth of this event whose works they can reference.
Posted by 3774StudioGallery on June 4, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't understand the comment about artists paying to enter a show. I have not heard of a show that did not charge an entry fee. Second, the point is Forum 35 does not pick the art work. I cannot speak for Forum 35, but I have not seen any whining on their part. A 'silent boycott' of something that is a positive experience for those who participate, those who attend, and for downtown merchants is a sad waste of energy. Think the bar needs to be raised? Raise it! THERE IS A DIFFERENT JUDGE EVERY YEAR. And this 'party with art in the corner' does wonders for downtown. The exhibition up for discussion is a small part of Art Melt. There are performing artists all around downtown, and many things going on besides what happens in Brunner Gallery.
Posted by creative123 on June 4, 2008 at 5:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A few comments:
1. How wonderful it is that Baton Rouge NOW has an ART EVENT that has been deemed as mainstream? Used to be original art like this hovered on the fringe of our community or was enjoyed by the small group of artists who longed to share their work with a larger audience. I would like to thank Forum 35 and all those who volunteer their time and work so hard to bring this event to the community.
2. Because of Forum 35 and the entire art community, we ow we have large events like Art Melt and a number of outlets ranging from shows at BR Gallery, to small, underground scenes in people's houses. Maybe someone who goes to see the "crap" at Art Melt might eventually stumble on to some more cutting-edge art wherever it is Mr. Roth is showing.
2. The original intent of the Art Melt was to provide a channel for artists to showcase their work and expose more people in the community to art. It has succeeded on both counts. In fact, I don't think there is another art event in the city that does it so well. Can the event be improved? Sure. I ask the artists to bring SOLUTIONS to the issues they bring up and I think the committee would welcome them, especially if the artists actually work to make the improvements. This is NOT an exclusive Forum 35 event. You don't have to be a member of this so-called "social organization" to contribute. Just come to the meeting and volunteer.
3. The Art Melt a social event? Hell yeah! What art showing is NOT a social event? Every show I've attended features people mingling, viewing the pieces and discussing them or even (gasp) talking about other things not related to the event. I go to the Art Melt see the art, possibly buy something and to visit a bunch of Forum friends AND artist friends and other people who are just regular citizens.
4. Finally, everyone has different opinions about art. I know what I like and don't like, and I see plenty of both at Art Melt. I'm just glad we have a place where I can go to see art and celebrate it with 3,000 of my other BR friends.
See you July 11th.
Posted by rocketing_skyward on June 4, 2008 at 6:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
well...considering that 225 managed to sqeeze Art Melt 07 into a small paragraph last year....as opposed to a feature story (maybe the style issue ran that month instead), i'd say that the event isnt fully recognized for its value to the community in BR and throughout So. Louisiana. and i'm not picking on 225...the Advocate gave us no mention whatsoever. thats more of a crime than not providing enough elbow room for Hunter and his ego
Posted by Jeff_Roedel on June 5, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
July is our BEST OF 225 issue every year, so a larger portion of the magazine is appointed to that cover package, and consequently some of our arts and entertainment features are smaller in the BEST OF issues. Art Melt just happens to be in July.
Posted by 4sculpture on June 5, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, Jeff! Thanks for deciding that the Talented Artists in Baton Rouge have decided not to enter Art Melt. Since you are such an astute observer of talent, perhaps you will be asked to jury the show next year. The artists boycotting the show would be better classified as "most easily upset" not the most talented. I am sure this year's Art Melt will again, have a great mix of art from the entire state. As for the issues of Art Melt- every juried show fails to please someone. In fact, the ever exclusive Whitney Bienniel, which does not even give artists a chance to submit, usually has a few pieces in it that even a high school student would shun. It is the name of the game in the art world. Luckily, all kinds of work have a right to be seen. Also, I am sure that everyone with any experience in exhibitions realizes that not everyone in attendance is there to see the art. Perhaps your angry artists would like to attend the opening of Art Melt and ask everyone, "Please, do not socialize"? It is common knowledge that if you want to appreciate the ART you must attend a show on a quieter day, with less noise and people. Maybe what would be a better solution is convincing the Brunner Gallery to keep the work up longer. As for the artists who do not approve of their work being seen with less finer pieces- their complaint is with the judges and their silly egos.
Posted by movingforward on June 5, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Despite some fanfare about Jeff Roedel’s article /Art Melt’s Problem/, I wanted to thank him for doing his job. As the president of Forum 35, I thought the piece was objective and represented the small group of artists who feel a disservice and the organization growing an event successful beyond anyone’s original imagination. Growing pains and riffs are natural part of all successful ventures – trust me I work for one of the fastest growing private companies in the country. What adds a bit of steam to both sides is the amount of emotion and labor each has invested in their work. Forum 35’s objective is to stay focused and positive while taking calculated risks that yield a positive result. We expect another exceptional year for Art Melt with 200 artists submitting work with a larger contingency (170) of the artists from Greater Baton Rouge. I took the article as a compliment and appreciate the coverage Louisiana Business, Inc. has given to Forum 35 and Art Melt in the past and the future. We look forward to seeing you all on July 11th, 2008!
Jamie Griffin, 2008 Forum 35 President
Posted by natalie on June 5, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i just absolutely love that "art or the art melt" is the subject matter that has everyone so fired up in baton rouge, no matter who you side with, it's great to see people in this town passionate about something other than the tigers. support local art no matter if you like it or not, then talk trash about it to your friends like i do but support it!
Posted by jamesaycock on June 7, 2008 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, support and submit!
Posted by brian_blanchard on June 7, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why were no art professors interviewed for this article? No real art critics? Is JR now assuming that role in BR? If so, he is off to a bad start by relying so heavily on one artist (Roth) with a very narrow aesthetic vision. BTW the comments posted on this article are no more vitriolic than the article was itself. Many people realize that the art melt is not perfect, but it is surprising to read that the art is "crap." In what universe is this type of comment "objective" - apparently in Jeff Roedel's universe!
Posted by hrisdead on June 8, 2008 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm sorry if you think my ego is so big, but I've been working my ass off in this city for years. I believe I show at more art events in BR than any other artist in this city besides my cohort, Charles Barbier. I’m currently showing at Baton Rouge Gallery (you can go there and read my resume) and the mural outside the 3rd St. doors of the Shaw Center for the Arts.
I manage the Design Shop at LSU and I’ve seen a few familiar pieces of art at the Art Melt that I helped a student with. It would be nice to have “the hottest art in Baton Rouge” not be student work, but I now it would be difficult to regulate this issue.
The Art Melt show isn’t up long enough for people to view it. When they do go by to see it, the Brunner Gallery is closed most the time. Go to their web site and they don’t have hours posted. That’s has been the biggest complaints I’ve heard from people that do go back to see the show. People want to see the art but the huge crowd at the opening night makes is hard to see.
I was denied 3 years ago, and was selected 2 years ago. That year, I had one collaborative with Barbier selected by the judges and one collaborative with Barbier and Clark Derbes selected by a Forum 35 member. This one was selected because 225 had just did a story on Barbier, Derbes and I collaborating on art. This member thought it would be good to have in the show, because the public would probably like to see it since it was in the article. It wasn’t the only one hand selected by Forum 35 that year. The others were friends of this member that didn’t get pick but persuaded the judge to include them. I think that’s corrupt! I didn’t ask for a hand out and it left me wondering how fair is the judging? I choose not to submit anymore after that.
I praise Jeff for writing this, because Forum 35 really needs to address these issues. Public criticism can only help to improve a good art show event that they work hard to put together.
HR
Posted by GSTV on June 8, 2008 at 10:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I feel compelled to respond to some of the comments that have been made in response to this article. I appreciate Jeff for starting the dialogue. It is important that the community have an opportunity to voice thoughts and concerns. For those that don’t know me my name is John Jackson and I was one of the original few that started the Art Melt five years ago. The show has been more successful than we could have ever imagined. I will try and answer some of the concerns addressed by Hunter and others. We have looked into moving the show to a larger venue to accommodate the crowd and more art, however, there is really no other option downtown. The only other space that would work is the Louisiana State Museum. It’s a great space, but the concern is whether or not the vibe will still be there if the event is moved from Third Street, and if downtown businesses would still play such an integral role. Having it at the Shaw Center and the Brunner Gallery keeps it centralized to most of the downtown establishments.
The show is up for a week after the opening. We would love to keep the show up longer but the cost of renting the Brunner Gallery/Manship Theatre is one of the largest expenses we have for the show. The Brunner Gallery and Manship Theatre works with Forum 35 to give us the best rate possible, yet their overhead must be covered. The Art Melt is designed to break even. Many years the show actually runs in the red, but Forum 35 feels this is an important event for Baton Rouge and Downtown. Until we can generate more revenue through sponsorships or start charging an admission, we simply can’t afford to do much more. If someone out there has an idea on how we can raise more money to fund the exhibition remaining longer or any other ideas, feel free to contact the committee and offer your suggestions. We will have a committee meeting this week and you are more than welcome to come and volunteer. The committee consists entirely of volunteers, and many of these people take days off of work and give up much of their personal time to make this event a success.
continued in next post....
Posted by GSTV on June 8, 2008 at 10:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Past Judges have been excellent and highly regarded nationally by the art community. We have had judges from academia, museum systems, and professional artists. I have worked very closely with the judges every year as an event committee chairperson. Like most all other art shows, judges use digital images to make their selections. It would be impossible to have 500 pieces of art shipped to the judges’ house. I’m not sure if I am the Forum 35 member that Hunter referenced in his previous post, but I can say that it has been a primary goal to create the most objective environment for the judges. To my knowledge, no judge has ever been pressured into having to accept a piece. Until this year, we have had between two and four judges each year. They must come to a consensus when choosing each piece for the show, and this does not allow for a Forum 35 member to make selections. The only instructions the judges receive are to try and create a diverse show because we have a wonderfully diverse audience, and to be aware of space restrictions.
I want to thank all of the committee members that have donated so much of their time for this event. Because of their hard work, spirit, and vision, this event has become an art event the Baton Rouge community can be proud of. I hope that clarifies and addresses the concerns of the community. We hope to see you July 11th.
Thank you.
John
Posted by por_deni on June 11, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I love art, having studied art history in college and interning/volunteering at galleries and museums prior to moving to Baton Rouge. I have been here eight years and have no desire to get into the art scene in this town. It is very territorial, even unwelcoming, and this debate proves that.
I attended one of the first Art Melts and was underwhelmed by the works displayed and overwhelmed by the crush of partiers attending. Needless to say, I skipped subsequent events.
I know Forum 35 means well, but perhaps they need to reevaluate these fundraisers that expose young professionals to the "finer things" (Art, Wine, Golf) which I feel continue the class segregation in this town. I know I am not getting a true feel for their mission to improve community relations when they throw these parties.
Posted by rocketing_skyward on June 12, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
you cant win the lottery if you dont buy a ticket. get involved!
Posted by usleep on June 12, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Personally, I don’t think resumes have any place in a juried exhibition. They are for galleries that need to provide assurance to their clients that they are buying “good art”. Screening based on a resume is more dangerous to art than is sharing space with a lot of “crap”. That’s what was so appealing about Artful Dodger - - no work was ever screened and the show itself was one big interactive performance piece.
Posted by glenaduncan on June 12, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Funny to read photographer Mr. King refer to some Art Melt submissions as "crap." I thought the art community was hell-bent on "educating" us commoners that anything is art - including a crucifix sitting in a jar of urine.
This whole conversation about "what is art?" is the stuff of freshman ART 101, or rather High School Art Appreciation class. It'll never end.
I personally have a high standard for what I call art, and believe I would agree with Mr. King.
That said, I truly appreciate a group creating an event for us all to see and enjoy - or perhaps not enjoy - what our community artists have to offer. So all you "higher artists" our there pipe down. Submit your work or don't, but don't believe criticism of this show somehow puts you on a higher art plane. Only your work will do that. And if you don't show it....what good is it? If we don't see it, you might as well have not created it.
- Glen Duncan
Posted by nuchitchu on June 12, 2008 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
For what anyone thinks its worth, I find our community's "established" art rather stale, simplistic. Skeletons and colored black and whites of LSU, Spanishtown and old New Orleans doors. These State Street and Ivanhoe throwbacks actually think that Baton Rouge cares what they think.
However, they are here to serve us, the public. It is our opinion as to what matters, and what constitutes art. Perhaps it would help if there were far more various organizations supporting local art and events, sure, but until then I feel that local artists should be glad to have a public, any public.
And until they can evolve beyond what they did in highschool art classes, or last week at the market, they should be happy as a pig in existential slop.
Posted by littlebird on June 13, 2008 at 5:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
nuchitchu-- Your comments are completely ridiculous and are exactly what is wrong with the "Baton Rouge" that you represent. Visual artists, musicians, dancers, architects, graphic designers, museum curators, writers, chefs, landscape architects, etc etc etc are the people that shape our community visually and culturally. The public NEEDS these people to create, improve and preserve the creative arts and culture that already exists here in this city. The public should be grateful that our community is full of these people - not the other way around. The cultural economy of a city is what encourages businesses and new residents to live here and stay here.
To refer to the current arts community as "State Street and Ivanhoe throwbacks" proves Erin Rolfs' point that in order for Baton Rouge to understand the importance of integrity and honesty in events and works of art, our community needs to be better educated. And there's no better way to educate a town full of people that attend arts events in masses "to pass time" or because it's "trendy" then to improve on the events that attract these masses. The ArtMelt is a fun, raucous and well attended event that gets people downtown and interested in doing things that are cultural - which is a great thing. However, artists have every right to not participate if they do not believe the event has genuine intentions (are they more concerned with numbers or the quality of the event as a whole? is it to appease the businesses on 3rd street? the goal isn't clear). There is a very healthy, very large community of people that participate in and attend events around town, and if ArtMelt is too crowded, too trendy or too much of a "horse and pony" show for any of them, they have the right to express that.
Jeff's article has done something for Baton Rouge that is so important in that it has opened up a strong, healthy debate. Artists are subject and open to criticism. Events should be as well.
Posted by usleep on June 20, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Am I the only one who is tired looking at paintings that are driven by subject matter (birds, animals, portrates, figures, landscapes, etc.)?
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