Guideline for Jurying process of New Sculptor Applicants in NESA
(Revised on 1/10/2025)

The jury process described below will be applied to sculptors that wish to become Sculptor members at NESA. The same jury process will be applied to all applicants, whether referred to by NESA members, solicited by NESA, or have discovered NESA on their own.

We will examine three major aspects of the artist’s work: Experience as sculptor, Expression and Craftsmanship (detailed below). To be accepted to NESA, an applicant must be sufficiently qualified in all three aspects. The committee will decide by simple majority and could provide short feedback to candidates that did not qualify to join NESA as Sculptor Member.

The Membership Committee chair may offer a tiebreaking opinion or volunteer it upon the committee’s request. Once a submitted application is complete, the committee will jury the applicant (and inform him/her status) within 3-7 days.)

Experience (Primary criteria, all satisfied)
* CV and artist statement showing commitment to sculpting
* Volume of sculptural work (8-10 projects, over the past three years)

Expression (at least a few satisfied)
* Overall impression over the integrity/completion of the entire work (first impression)
* Uniqueness, originality, creativity, and novelty (fresh and new)
* Emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and physical/visceral impact (connection)
* Concept, story, narrative, social statement (what does the work say)
* Interpretation, and the clarity of the theme to the viewer (conveyance)
* Aesthetic quality (conceptual design, line flow, 3D shape, finish)

Craftsmanship (some satisfied)
* Media and materials (to serve the above)
* Complexity, difficult level, technology used (time and effort spent to create)
* Professional quality (neatness and craftiness) 

**The Review Committee Chair can replace / exchange some or all the above ‘Expression’ and ‘Craftsmanship’ NESA criteria with proof of the applicant’s sculptural work being shown at least two recognized regional/major juried shows.