[Aquanet] AWS strips winner of gold medal

[patchapin at mindspring.com]

Sorry, a short rant:

Too little, and much too late for any shred of dignity to adhere to the AWS over this matter, no matter what kind of a pompous notice they write.  The release indicates an attitude that certainly wasn't in place when the first photographer stood up.  And no explanation?  

I feel at the very least they owe their membership an explanation of just how this one got by 'em, if not the public.  I mean, did not one of the judges have any doubt at all with regard to this?  Didn't anyone look at her other work and see an obvious, well, let me be diplomatic and say 'fascination with photographic style'? Judges bought into her explanation, is that it?  It took all these months to test the painting/electronic submission?  

Vigilant for a violation of standards, yeah, right.  This organization has been retreating into fuddyism for many years, resting the behind upon laurels rather than raising a hand to get watercolour some dignity.  Then, caught on said behind, this is the best it can do -- sounds like the squawking of an elderly aunt.

pat chapin
www.patchapin.com
 


From: Jack Russell 
  To: 'aquanet' 
  Sent: Saturday, February 14, 2009 7:04 PM
  Subject: [Aquanet] AWS strips winner of gold medal


  Some of you may recall that last year's winner of the American Watercolor Society gold medal, Sheryl Luxenburg, had been accused of using photos taken by others - not her own original work - as the source material for her winning painting. (There was also a question about her submission being an electronic image rather than a painting.) It looks like the AWS jury has passed judgment. Essentially, they've told Luxenburg to give back the medal and prize money. The quite lengthy release, below, apparently has gone to AWS members. It was posted today on an online watercolor discussion board.

   

  Jack

   

  ===================

   

  The American Watercolor Society, Inc., (AWS) releases the following statement to the AWS membership and the artist community about the withdrawal of 2008 Gold Medal:

  The controversy surrounding the American Watercolor Society's 141st International Exhibition Gold Medal winner, "Impermanence," by Canadian artist Sheryl Luxenburg has been the subject of innumerable blogs, websites and chat rooms worldwide for many months.

  We sincerely appreciate all those who contacted the society and respect all opinions expressed on this issue. This dialogue has contributed to our understanding of the extent to which the art community has taken an interest in the outcome of this issue as it affects each artist and the respective art societies.

  The American Watercolor Society has been holding an annual juried exhibition of watercolors from artists throughout the world for over 140 years. It was founded to promote watercolor and support painters of the medium. The goal of the AWS has always been to promote original art and it is against this backdrop that the controversy first emerged.

  The American Watercolor Society, like other watercolor societies, has developed its eligibility requirements for entry into the exhibition over the course of many years. Eligibility for entry is as follows. "The Annual Exhibition is open to all artists working in water media (watercolor, acrylic, casein, gouache, and egg tempera) on paper. No collage, pastels, class work, copies, digital images or prints; original work only. Maximum frame size is 44" in any direction. Image size limit is no smaller than 10" x 14." All paintings must be sturdily framed and have plastic glazing (Plexiglas).

  The requirements as contained in the prospectus as well as the acceptance form are quite specific and leave no room for ambiguity. Upon acceptance, the requirements are further emphasized by a disclaimer signed by the artist stating that "The accompanying artwork is an original; not a copy or likeness of another's work, i.e. painting, drawing or photograph."

  Our prospectus clearly informs artists of these eligibility requirements which were designed to maintain high standards and to focus on originality.

  By establishing these requirements, the onus rests with the artists to ensure compliance with the rules set forth. Each artist is therefore free to accept or decline these conditions.

  When it was determined that Ms. Luxenburg's entry violated our eligibility requirements, the AWS requested that our Gold Medal and prize money be returned. The Medal and prize money were returned, and Ms. Luxenburg has been disqualified from entering any future AWS exhibitions.

  Watercolors accepted to our annual exhibitions reflect a wide variety of styles and inventive handling of the medium and attest to the fact that innovation and exploration are not only encouraged, but welcomed by the AWS.

  The AWS will continue to count on the integrity of artists entering our exhibition, but in fairness to our own members and the art community in general, we will remain vigilant for any violation of our standards. Any artist who is determined to violate our entry procedure can expect a fair evaluation initially, but if found to have done so, can expect a serious and permanent final resolution.
  Statement released February 2009.

   



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