The Making of A National Juried Art Exhibition

Jun 2

VMRC’s 2025 National Juried Art Exhibition Runs Through June 27

Yes, no, maybe. Then finally, a three-way yes.

This is the rhythm of deliberation among the jurors who selected the works for this year’s National Juried Art Exhibition at VMRC. It’s not simply a tally of preferences; it’s a thoughtful, cooperative process where diverse perspectives converge and — at times — clash. Ultimately, we are presented with a beautifully curated experience that stirs emotion and provokes thought.

In 2025, a total of 185 artists from 30 states and the District of Columbia submitted 477 works of art. Their submissions spanned from Oregon to Connecticut to Florida. The jurors selected 95 works by 76 artists for the mixed-media exhibition. Among those accepted, 19 artists are first-time exhibitors, a strong indication of the show’s continued role as a platform for emerging talent.

The exhibition features works across three divisions:

Division I (Painting/Drawing/Printmaking): 59 works
Division II (Photography/Digital Art): 16 works
Division III (Sculpture/Fabric/Mixed Media): 20 works

Three jurors brought their distinct perspectives and expertise to the selection process:

Erin Raedeke, a painter with an MFA from American University, has exhibited nationally and internationally, including at the National Portrait Gallery in London. She lives and works just outside Washington, D.C.
Robert Hunter, a digital printmaker and bookmaker, brings a strong conceptual lens to the table, with work in university and private collections across the U.S. and Europe.
Sara Allen Prigodich, a mixed-media artist and associate professor of ceramics at Anne Arundel Community College, has shown her work in major art cities including Philadelphia, New York, Chicago and Boston.

L to R, Robert Hunter, Sara Allen Prigodich, Erin Raedeke

In the end, this exhibition reflects more than the sum of its selections. It is a testament to the power of conversation, artistic discernment and the national reach of creative talent. The 22nd Annual National Juried Art Exhibition promises a compelling and dynamic showcase, built on hours of deliberation, three distinct voices, and the shared goal of elevating contemporary art and bringing it into public view.