Behind the scenes: Selecting the art for Artisphere
Six jurors select 140 of 1,063 applicants
The Artisphere 2026 jury in action. Provided photo.
The stage is quietly being set for Artisphere 2026, months before the tents go up and the streets fill with art lovers.
On Halloween weekend, inside a room buzzing with creative energy, six jurors gathered to take on one of the festival’s most critical tasks: selecting the 140 artists who will be showcased at next year’s event in May.
Their mission was no small feat. From a pool of 1,063 applicants, the jurors spent two full days examining thousands of images of artwork and booth shots from each artist representing 17 different artistic categories. Only the nine 2025 award winners and the commemorative poster artist were guaranteed a spot in the 2026 show; all other applicants were evaluated anonymously by the panel.
Visual Arts Programs Director Robin Aiken shares just how special this process continues to be.
“This is my tenth year managing the Artisphere jury review, and every year I’m amazed by how many new artists apply and how many stellar artists return. It’s truly remarkable. I feel incredibly fortunate to play a role in shaping one of the top art shows in the country,” Aiken said.
The jury is refreshed annually, bringing together experts from across the art world to ensure a dynamic mix of perspectives and evolving talent. This year’s panel included:
- Amy Curlee, visual director at CherryArt for 15 years.
- Josiah Golson, artist, lawyer, and writer from Chattanooga, Tennessee.
- Libby Hodgkins, jewelry designer and creative storyteller based in Savannah, Georgia.
- Kevin Kao, sculptor, ceramic artist, and educator from Greenville.
- Kelly McShary, Artisphere board member and dedicated arts advocate.
- Marisa White, an award-winning artist known for her intricate composite photography.
The first stage of the in-person review began with each application being reviewed by medium. The jurors score each application on artistic excellence and presentation. After hours of careful evaluation, the first round narrowed the field by half.
Day two of reviews brought renewed focus and productive discussion. Jurors deliberated openly, weighing each artist’s craftsmanship, originality, and professional polish to assign final scores that would be used to build the roster for each medium category.
“Serving as a juror for Artisphere 2026 was such a fulfilling and inspiring experience,” said juror Josiah Golson. “Reviewing the astounding talent of artists alongside jurors who showed incredible skill, expertise, and care in their evaluation makes me so excited for the wonderful festival that the gifted team and organizers will curate and gift the community with next Spring.”
The jury’s work isn’t done just yet. Next May, they will reconvene at the festival to distribute $15,000 in awards, including the coveted “Best in Show,” bringing the process full circle, from images on a screen to masterpieces lining Main Street.
Artisphere presented by Prisma Health extends heartfelt thanks to the 2026 jurors for their thoughtful curation and to the artists whose creativity continues to make Artisphere one of the nation’s most celebrated fine arts festivals. We would also like to recognize Coldwell Banker Caine for hosting us in their office space throughout the jury process.
Save the date for Artisphere presented by Prisma Health, May 8-10, 2026. For more information, visit Artisphere.org.
