Chantell Van Erbe - Fantasized Realism in Fine Art

The prospectus for CPSA's 17th Annual Juried Exhibition in Atlanta, Georgia has been sitting on my desk for several weeks now. I've been eyeing it up and down. A bit gun-shy on whether or not I'll enter this year.

You see, I was accepted into last year's show and was very excited about it. I purchased a pricey Airfloat box, shipped my painting out to Seattle, WA - only for it to be disqualified on site. Then at my expense, of course, I had to arrange for its immediate return. Yeah, that stung a bit.

Turns out CPSA and I have different opinions on what constitutes an ornate frame. They prefer a more uniform and simplistic exhibition appearance. Which means no frames that are over-the-top. The funny part? I thought my framing choice was quite tame (see images 1 & 2 below)..well compared to what I usually have wrapped 'round my work (see images 3 & 4 below).

 I could go on forever regarding the importance of framing and how it virtually enhances the character of a work of art. A painting and frame are like PB&J (without the salmonella). Nevertheless, rules are rules.

I guess I'd like to give this whole thing another shot. But I had other questions. Before I even dared getting back on the proverbial horse, I wanted answers. Solid proof - that if I entered a painting or two this year and with some luck did get accepted, that my piece wouldn't take a long trip to GA, hang out for 30 mins only to be examined, rejected on some loophole bylaw that I missed and sent back on its merry way home. Phew! If I were the painting, I'd slap me really hard. I needed to get more acquainted with CPSA's standards. Hence, I sent an e-mail to their National President, Kay Schmidt:

"Dear Ms. Schmidt, I'm looking forward to entering this year's CPSA 17th Annual show in Atlanta. But before I do, I have a few questions to run by you regarding my work and the drawing(s) that I'd like to submit.

#1) Aside from CP's, the finishing touches of my works are occasionally rendered in watercolor pencils. Is this acceptable?
#2) The piece is framed without matting. Is this acceptable?
#3) The piece was done on an Ampersand clay board. It was commercially manufactured by the company and purchased from an art supply store. I did not gesso/prepare the ground. Is this acceptable?

I was disqualified from last year's exhibition due to a frame that was too ornate. So you can understand why I want to be extra careful. I hope you are well and enjoying the new year."

  To the point (pun intended), right? I must say that Kay Schmidt couldn't have responded any quicker. She was extremely helpful- even going as far as forwarding my query to Exhibition Director, Paula Parks. Her answer to all three questions was yes. Water-soluble colored pencils are legal for all CPSA shows; matting is not required, and you may use any manufactured 2-D surface. BTW the size limitation is 32 x 40" framed. A tad small for my taste but not bad.

So if you weren't aware of these regulations, then you've learned something new. If you did know, then why didn't you tell me? I'd like to wish all potential participants good luck! Hopefully you're wishing me the same - that is, if I decide to enter ;-)

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