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SD Art Prize FAQ

SD Art Prize Mission: Fusing Energy for San Diego Visual Arts: Mentorship, Education, Recognition, Collaboration

What is the Prize for? The SD Art Prize annually awards art of excellence made in San Diego County by three established artists and three emerging artists. There is no age, gender or ethnic requirements attached to the prize. Art can be of any media but consideration is given to the restrictions of the exhibitions spaces for work on display.

What is the purpose of the Prize? The SD Art Prize give exposure to six deserving SD County artists per year through a series of exhibitions, websites, published reviews, catalogues and educational materials. It also grows a network of art professionals and an advisory board of patrons and facilitate collaboration with arts organizations and media to raise awareness of the visual arts.

Who gives the money? The money is raised by the San Diego Visual Arts Network which is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the arts and art education mainly but not exclusively within the County of San Diego. SDVAN believes art, in its diverse forms, enriches our lives, can be a catalyst for personal development, empowerment, enhanced creativity, community building and positive social changes. In 2006/2007 the prize money came from The Smart Family Foundation.

Why is it held where it is held? The L-Street Gallery of the Omni Hotel sponsors four of the exhibitions by generously donating space and the supporting expenses of the exhibitions. The 2006/2007 SD Art Prize artists will also been shown at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido in March 1 – May 31of 2008. A special exhibition of all nominated emerging artists for the 2007/2008 SD Art Prize will be held at Simayspace at Art College International in June of 2007.

Why is the prize given? The prize is given in recognition of work these artists have created in the three years previous to the award year. It is not a life-time achievement award.

Who picks the artists? The artists are chosen by a nominating committee that changes yearly and by the SD Art Prize executive committee. All work nominated are considered worthy of the award. Artist are chosen for each year to maintain a balance of age, gender, medium and ethnicity.

Who picks the work for the show? The artist choose the work for the show in cooperation with the curator of the space.

What do the selectors look for? The nominating committee looks for a body of work of excellence created in the last three years, which explores a unique viewpoint.

Who produces the SD Art Prize? The SD ART PRIZE is produced by The Art Girls: Joan Seifried, Ann Berchtold and Patricia Frischer who volunteer their time and effort.

Is the public involved in the choice? The public can make suggestions of artist whom they think are worthy of the prize. Suggestions are passed on to the nominators. SD Art Prize Survey

How can the public comment on the show? There is a guest book at the exhibition and all visitors are welcome to make comments about the show. Comments can also be sent to info@sdvisualarts.net or as above you can help us Enliven the SD Art Scene by filling in our SD Art Prize Survey.