In 2013, the Washington State SDA conducted a call-for-art for a juried exhibition, Dancing Surfaces, that took place at the Phinney Art Center in Seattle in August and September.  Thirty- one members from around the state submitted 50 pieces to be considered.  Thirty-two pieces were accepted from 23 artists.  Members were requested to complete a survey in the fall and winter after the show to determine the improvements that could be made to the show and the interest in shows, in general.  At that time, there were 266 non-institutional SDA members in Washington State and 72 members responded to the on-line survey.

The Dancing Surfaces Exhibition 2013 was put on by Washington State SDA

For the people who responded to the survey, seventy-four percent did not respond to the call-for-art for Dancing Surfaces.  The primary reason for not entering the show was that life events prevented the application (42%), could not prepare art in the timeframe allowed (41%), the time of year was not good because of other commitments (33%), time of year was not good because of other show conflicts (26%), and size restriction to only two feet or less was limiting (27%).  Other reasons that were important to some were:  a hesitancy to submit to juried shows (24%), restriction to art made in the last year was too limiting (22%), unfamiliarity with the venue (21%), not inspired by the theme (17%), afraid art would not be accepted (17%), have not made the step to submit to shows (15%), and venue was not the right caliper (13%).  Factors that were important to only a few were:  do not do artwork for shows (6%), application fee too high (7%), would rather enter a show for smaller sized art (6%), did not think the juror would accept art (4%), preparing the images (4%), and commission too high (2%).

For the 24% who responded to the survey and who did enter the Dancing Surfaces show, respondents felt that there was clear communication about the show (85%), good publicity (65%), and equitable arrangement of art (63%).  Forty percent felt the size restriction of less than 2 feet was limiting and 10% felt the commission was too high.

Interest in future shows among all respondents was high (89%), as was interest in juried shows (90%).  Many respondents were willing to provide samples of their art process (45%), give a lecture or presentation (35%) or demonstration (33%), conduct a class or workshop for adults (35%) or for kids (29%), and conduct docent tours (23%).

The primary reason members join SDA is to stay in the know about surface design events, people and activities (88%), to receive the Journal (74%), participate in shows (67%),  learn about surface design techniques and connect with people doing surface design (each about 60%).  About half of the members responding want to attend local meetings.

(Percentages are based on responses of agree and strongly agree with the statement.)

For detailed results, please contact SDA representative to WA- Barbara Matthews at bjmatthews76@comcast.net.