Group shows are very tricky because as the viewer we don't know the behind the scenes process of putting a show together...especially a traveling show.  The California Fiber Artists group is on exhibit at Translations Gallery.  I didn't see any information about the group so I can't give you the particulars about how the group formed, what their mission is or how they choose the venues where they will exhibit.

The show has some very talented artists.  Liz Berg's pieces "Calligraphy" and "Traces" are elegant.  Louise Schiele's "Loop t' Loop" is entertaining and well executed.  Marion Coleman's "Crimson in the Mist" is a vision to behold.  Sometimes artists choose to take a medium in new directions as is the case with Susan Else's "Rapunzel Considers".  It is a 3-D piece of a castle tower that is constructed with quilted pieces to make the tower.  At the bottom of the tower is a doll of a prince and at the top of the tower is a doll of Rapunzel.  It's whimsical and expands the art form.

I was disappointed in the pieces by Julie Stiller.  I felt the pieces were a bit sloppy.  Fortunately one artist doesn't detract from the success of the show but it does make me wonder as someone who is involved with creating exhibitions...how do you decide what stays and what goes?  How do you have crucial conversations with members of your group if their work needs work?  Does it reflect on the professionalism of the group if everyone's work is not at the same professional standards.  I'm not talking about subjective artistic interpretation, but the actual way the work is constructed or finished.

Think about how you want your work to be shown.  In what company do you want your work to be shown?  Are you willing to be a leader in coaching artists in your group to meet the challenge of a bar that has been raised for professional standards?  Become the master of your own destiny and follow the words of Cheryl Richardson..."Pass up good for great!".

Just wondering...
Greg