Michele,

I frankly think that compiling such a list could be an exercise in futility.
The criteria are too variable, depending on type of exhibition, theme,
audience, your institution's goals or "mission," etc.  You can compile a list
of factors to be considered, but what might be "good" in one institution and
set of circumstances could be "bad" in another.  It sounds like you're
searching for a magic key, and I don't think there is one.  You might as well
compile a checklist for "good" art vs. "bad" art.  Perhaps I'm just not being
very imaginative at the late hour in which I'm writing this, but I'm
imagining juxtapositions such as: GOOD--Big enough, vs. BAD--Too big, or
GOOD--Small enough, vs. BAD--Too small.  And then of course, there's always:
GOOD--Exciting and compelling, vs. BAD--Dull.  And don't forget: GOOD--Within
budget, and BAD--Over budget.

It seems to me that once you get beyond such simple-minded general concepts,
the specificity of each exhibition will require a slightly different set of
criteria.  There's nothing wrong with establishing evaluation guidelines for
self-critique, but I think you'll find that what's "good" or "bad" will be
subjective and debatable.

David Haberstich

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