For her role as guest curator for October 2007, Esther S. Kim, former director and curator of Heidi Cho Gallery chose the works very slowly and carefully. She looked at much of the art multiple times before making each decision. Esther chose Seated Figure in Watercolor by Emily Rich to launch the month. She liked Girl Study by Haydee Torres for the all-important first Saturday, and for Halloween, quite as a cautionary tale, Don't Take Candy from Strangers by Lucinda Luvaas.

When asked about the process and her choices, Esther's immediate response was, "It was fun." She noted that she was more drawn to the paintings and drawings than the sculpture and photography. In addition, she said, "I felt myself gravitating toward the images where the figures are turned away or you don't see their faces -- some things remain private even though they're nude."

The artists represented are: Monique Drif (25, 26), Marcel Franquelin (15), Kasper Holten (10), Mollie Kellogg (11), Donald Kolberg (30), Lucinda Luvaas (31), Jean Marcellino (21-24), Chris Miller (29), Linda Moses (8), Hector Olvera (12), Jim Owens (27), Emily Rich (1-5), Chanit Roston (19), B. B. Richardson (20), Clare Shepherd (9), Ilene Skeen (16-18), Suhas Tavkar (28), Randy Thurman (13, 14), Haydee Torres (6, 7).

Check the 'New Art' to see the entries for the current contest. You can also enjoy the art offline with the free printer-friendly version and weekly planner (click on the tiny calendar icons, next to the month/year, above), or shop for calendar gear (top menu). Esther S. Kim is currently a contributor/ show critic for ArtObserved, a new website focused on global contemporary art events and news observed from New York City. To go to ArtObserved, click on the logo at the left.

All Curators' Choice Awards nominees also receive 10 complimentary Extended Listings.

Thank you all for your interest and participation in barebrush.com, dedicated to the art of the nude.