Ridgefield Guild of Artists’

13^th Annual Member Juried Show

May 13 to June 11, 2023

Being asked to jury this year’s member exhibition was a very pleasant surprise, one I knew I would enjoy, but not  the extent that I actually did. As a juror, it often seems be something that one does alone and in some place confinement. Whether limited to just a room or one’s computer screen – it often feels very solitary. But my experience jurying for the Ridgefield Guild of Artists was one of nothing but connection – whether that sense exuded from the talented and caring people running the show, or the stories each and every submitting artist told. I encountered and viewed stories through a myriad of mediums, intent and execution all of which took me along down different artful pathways – leaving me feeling very much like Alice in Wonderland, exploring and stumbling through moments of awe, respect and frankly joy to have had this opportunity. Although a competition unfortunately sets limits as to who and how many can win, I am very comfortable saying that really all the applicants and submissions held merit. I really appreciate the feeling one has when submitting – the angst, the worry, the hope. Now that it’s done, I want all the artists who submitted to hold onto the notion of how their works, all of them are part of this art world, this discussion – and to know that all the works brought me that sense of connection – and I am grateful. 

– Melanie Prapopoulos

Juror: Melanie Prapopoulos of CAMP Gallery, Westport, CT Looking at curation as an opportunity to learn and experience art as a means for understanding society, Melanie Prapopoulos has been curating for over eight years. Key to her approach is how society is reflected in the works of the artist being exhibited, as she believes like the Romantics, that the artist is a prophet and speaks truths, and  thus she wants to know what does the artist say about society, what can we learn from the artist? Also central to her approach is how the work crosses disciplines and how can it blossom into the tool for awakening. Utilizing her tools learned in academia, Prapopoulos brings that knowledge in her search for universals and suggestions, sometimes unknown to the artist, and opens a door to a myriad of interpretations and conversations, with the goal of making art accessible to all.

Important Dates:

• Walk & Talk: Sunday, June 11th, 2-4pm

• Exhibition Closes: Sunday, June 11th at 4pm
• Pick-up of all unsold work*: Sunday, June 11th from 4 to 5pm and Monday, June 12th from 2 to 4pm

*All work must be picked up during the pick-up periods or a $20 late fee will be applied. NO EXCEPTIONS. If you cannot be there yourself, please make arrangements with a friend or family member to pick up your work for you. The Guild cannot be responsible for works left behind.