Siouxland Artists, Inc. is an organization of regional artists dedicated to fostering the development of art and spreading the appreciation of art throughout the community. For over 65 years, members of the organization have met monthly to share ideas through discussions, programs, and demonstrations. Membership in Siouxland Artists is open to artists of all backgrounds, from those holding advanced degrees to those who are just beginning to discover their love for creating art.
Mark Kochen, this year’s juror, had this to say, “I consider it a genuine honor and am grateful for the opportunity to be among the first to experience this remarkable collection of work. I like to imagine the task of a juror like a honeybee in a field of flowers, attempting to determine which blooms draw its attention first. It is never an easy task, but it remains a rewarding one because every entry possesses its own beauty, character, and voice. The challenge is not in finding merit, but in recognizing the subtle distinctions that allowed certain works to stand out among an especially strong field.”
Mark Kochen is a local artist native to Sioux City who paints, illustrates, and teaches. He has painted murals around town and is perhaps most well-known for his 20 years of Saturday in the Park posters. When he is not making art, he spends most of his time with his wife and two young children.