Here are some of the Frequently Asked Questions ...
How could COVID affect the Virtual Exhibition?
The Exhibitions Committee has three different plans laid out in detail: "Happy Path", "Virtual Juror" and "Total Lockdown". They are based on COVID pandemic states.
In "Happy Path", our current plan of record, your uploaded image is used for initial vetting and to make sure we can keep everything in sync. In this path, the juror will be on site to view, select and award the submitted items. She will not see any photos or web pages until she is finished judging. In "Happy Path" a professional photographer will take a multiple photo set of each the items accepted into the exhibition. These photos are the ones that will be used to create your item's exhibition page(s).
If our juror is unable to view and judge items on site, we will trigger "Virtual Juror" mode. In "Total Lockdown" mode everything is virtual and done by web.
If we have to launch "Virtual Juror" or "Total Lockdown" the Exhibitions Committee will be in touch with you with more details as appropriate. Please pray to your favorite diety that we stay on "Happy Path".
Profile, Gallery and Exhibition ... I'm confused. Please Help!
There are 3 different places on the OGP web site where your information and photos could be stored:
1. As an OGP member, you already have an Account on the web site where you can keep your email ID up to date, as well as an OGP Profile where you can add a couple of photos: a “profile” photo and a “cover” photo. They have been there since "Day 1" of the OGP web site but very few members took advantage of it. see Virtual-Exhibition-Profile-Update-Process.pdf
2. Any member can request a Gallery Portfolio page which contains up to five photos of your work, and any contact info, biography and artist statement that you chose to put on your that page. The Gallery Portfolio pages know nothing about anything going on in the Exhibition. If you have not already done so, you can request a Gallery / Portfolio page at:: http://ottawaguildofpotters.ca//portfolio/
3. The Virtual Exhibition! You will be entering information on your Virtual Exhibition Application Form (e.g. name, contact info, artist statement) along with information about your items (e.g. title, description, method) and item photos. All of this information will be used in creating your pages in the Virtual Exhibition web site. The information related to your items will be used in the judging process.
These are all completely separate areas of the web site. Information is NOT shared between them. There is NO sharing of text or photos between your Gallery Portfolio page, your Account Profile and Virtual Exhibition Application Form.
However, the 2020 Virtual Exhibition web site pages will pull in or link to data from the other areas: The Exhibition will make use of your OGP Profile page to showcase participating artists and its item pages will include links to your Gallery Portfolio if you have one set up.
How can the juror judge my work if I only submit one photo?
The Exhibitions Committee has three different plans laid out: "Happy Path", "Virtual Juror" and "Total Lockdown". They are based on COVID pandemic states. In "Happy Path", our current plan of record, your image is used for initial vetting by the Exhibitions Committee and to make sure we can keep everything in sync. In "Happy Path", the juror will be on site to view, select and award the submitted items. She will not see any photos until she is finished judging. If we have to launch "Virtual Juror" or "Total Lockdown" the Exhibitions Committee will be in touch with you.
Can the juror see my Portfolio Gallery?
No. For fairness, the juror will not see anything that identifies the artist. She will not see any artist name or contact info. All pieces will be identified only by exhibitor number and item number (e.g. Ex 17 Item 2). She will have no view of your portfolio gallery, Facebook, Instagram, etc.
Why do I have to cover my maker's mark with a sticker?
For fairness, the juror will not see anything that identifies the artist. She will not see any artist name or contact info, including your mark. To the juror all pieces will be identified only by exhibitor number and item number (e.g. Ex 17 Item 2) on your sticker.
On the day following the juror's judging, the photographer will be in to take photos of the accepted items. He will move the sticker to get photos of the items as needed.
There is a lot of material to read through. Why?
With this being a virtual exhibition, and even further complicated by it being held during a pandemic, the process is very different from our previous events in so many ways. We apologize, but there is just no getting around it. We initially had all of the information contained in one document, but early reviewers gave us very clear feedback that splitting it all out into three documents was better. Please take the time needed to go through what we've put together to help you in this "new to all of us" experience.
You ask for a lot of information. Is it really needed?
Yes! You will be asked to enter a lot of information on your Virtual Exhibition Application Form (e.g. name, contact info, artist statement) along with detailed information about your items (e.g. title, description, method, weight and dimensions) as well as item photos. All of this information will be used in creating your pages in the Virtual Exhibition web site. The detailed item information will be used by the juror in her deliberations ... and becomes critical if we have to enter "Virtual Juror" or "Total Lockdown" mode.
As well, all of this information will be very useful to online viewers. Keep in mind that they will be looking at photos and can't hold the item in their hands. The Title and Description may matter almost as much as the images. Your words are what will make them really interested in the item. Your words will let them know if it's a six inch plate or a sixteen inch platter. Your words will let them know if it's not safe for moist food. Your words will tell them what inspired you to make the item. Make your words count!
Is this an "Exhibition" or an "OGP Sale"?
This is a Juried Exhibition in which members can submit items they are most proud of to be judged against the works of their peers. The juror will select up to 30 items into the Exhibition. These are the items that will be professionally protographed and be showcased.
However, the Exhibition Committee recognizes that should your piece(s) be accepted, this exhibition may well be your best opportunity as a local potter to show and promote those works this year. Therefore, we are making sure that the pages for the accepted items include any links you may have to your OGP Gallery, Facebook, Instagram or personal web site, to help you generate potential sales. It is up to you to make sure that those sites are up to date with works that are for sale. Any sales you might make are between you and the purchaser, with no Guild involvement.
What are the key dates for the Virtual Exhibit?
Please review the Virtual-Exhibition-Guidelines.pdf
What will the Virtual Exhibit viewing experience be like?
Please review the Virtual-Exhibition-Guidelines.pdf
If I make a sale, how will that work?
Please review the Virtual-Exhibition-Guidelines.pdf
Please provide any feedback or questions about this page to: ExhibitionQuestions@ottawaguildofpotters.ca