I still get a rush when I see those two words. “Dear Artist.” They introduced the acceptance letter for three of my art quilts into the Georgia Marble Festival Fine Art show Oct. 1-7. Yipee!
This is a special show for me as it’s local, in an Appalachian community rich with local talent. And so far I’m the only art quilter in the exhibit’s history who’s entered. The first year I exhibited one of my pieces the committee was delighted to have a new art form for their show. This was the first fine art exhibit I ever entered, and was I nervous.
The best part of the entire show is the Artist’s Reception, where I get to meet the other artists and see their work. I’m always in awe of other people’s art: I want to ask them a million overly-intrusive questions, like “How did you you do that? How long did that take? How did you make your piece so large?”
It’s truly one of those evenings you never forget. The last time I went I was so intimidated by everyone else’s art I wanted to leave early before they announced the awards. My husband refused. We had a babysitter after all, so we were going to enjoy this evening.
So when they announced the awards, I wasn’t listening. Instead, I was looking around at the art and the people, until my husband jabbed me with his elbow and said, “You won.” Third place in the 2-D division. Wow.
I didn’t enter anything last year, but have three this year. I’ll go and enjoy the entire event, and not worry about winning awards. That’s a bonus, but I’m not getting trapped into creating work to win awards. Ultimately I create what I love, and if others love it too, I’ve made a wonderful connection.
Congratulations, it is a thrill to get a piece accepted. I hope you have another elbow-jabbing moment!