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Julia Meyer and Kaitlin Bishop were recognized at the Des Moines Women’s Club Art Exhibition. The exhibit is a chance for emerging artists and professional artists to display their work in a contest.

This is the 108th year of the contest, and it is well-known around the area. Anyone can enter this competition, but they must meet certain criteria given by the judges.

The art is judged on one of the nights during the week of the show. On this night, the judges hand out first and second place awards and honorable mentions to those who are deserving in each category.

The exhibit is separated into two divisions: professional and unprofessional. This format exists to allow the unprofessional artists to compare their work to that of professionals.

The two women entered the competition for the learning experience. There is no entry fee for the artists, which is why this competition was perfect for two college students. Professors at Grand View encourage students to participate in events of this nature so that they have a chance to display their work and gauge the reaction of others.

“Our teachers always push exposure on us as artists,” Bishop said. “Letting other people see your work and receiving feedback is the best kind of feedback.”

 

Not only was this a way to get their names out in a public setting, but it also validated their work. Bishop went into the contest feeling unsure about her new style of art, but after winning honorable mention at the show, she is now more confident in her abilities.

Bishop and Meyer hope to continue making appearances in local shows. Both are seniors with art education majors, but they hope to continue their hobby of creating art on the side.

Meyer and Bishop would both like to eventually become professional artists, and they could achieve this goal by continuing to put their work in exhibitions such as this one.
For more information about the Des Moines Women’s Club Art Exhibition, click here.