And the big news is...

I had a mixed media piece accepted into a juried art show! 

The show is called "Bird in Word & Image" and it opens at LibertyTown Arts Workshop on Friday night.

This a big milestone for me. I started making art in 2007,  reading books and art blogs, learning through trial and error and art journaling . A Parks & Rec acrylic painting class gave me insight (and courage) to experiment with paint, but while I've done some canvases, I always come back to paper, collage, and mixed media.

Because I'm largely self-taught, I've not thought of myself as a *real* artist, and I had never submitted my work to a gallery before (though The Girl has been telling me to do that for years).  Being part of a juried show at such a great venue is a huge boost to my confidence and an incentive to push myself forward on my journey into art.

I can't wait to see how other artists have responded to the exhibit theme, which invited participants to create a piece of artwork inspired by a piece of literature related to birds. Should be an exciting Friday night!

Comments

[RD]

Congratulations! We all knew you could do this. Would love to see the piece exhibited, but, alas, you live too far away! All the best as you continue to expand your art. Way to go!

[J]

Amazingly good news! Congratulations!

[Chris]

Congratulations! That IS big news. You're a *real* artist... jeesh. Why is it so difficult for people to say in a normal tone of voice [not in a whisper while standing behind a wall, peeking out to see who's listening, then disappearing behind the wall again], "I'm an artist," or "I'm a writer." Lucky you. You're both!

[amber]

YES you are a "real artist"! I have something you made in a little frame on my dresser right now!
This is happy news. Right on, you!!

:)

[Neil]

That is so exciting!!!

[gfe--gluten free easily]

I am so thrilled for you, V! And, not at all surprised. ;-) Yes, of course, you are a real artist! :-)

Shirley

[simon]

Congratulations on becoming a real artist. Now you need to buy a beret.

[V-Grrrl]

Simon,

I also need a thin moustache to go with the beret. I'm thinking menopause might take care of that.

[Nance]

Terrific!

[Lisa]

You silly grrrl. I'm so happy for you - not just that you had the piece accepted but that you had the nerve to enter it in the first place. Brava!

[Amanda]

Congratulations! Also, I loved your comment at Neil's place!

[V-Grrrl]

Thanks for coming by Amanda.

Re: my comment at Neil's. Can you tell I've worked in marketing and PR? And known Neil forever? : )

[alejna]

Congratulations! That's so exciting. And the exhibit sounds really cool, too. I love a good theme.

[Di]

Congratulations and enjoy the opening!!
xx

[Granola-grrrl]

I wish I was in town this week instead of last-- I'd love to see that show, and that piece is one of my favorites of yours so far. I'm thinking happy thoughts for you today :)

[LornaE]

I love Libertytown! When I was visiting my Bro & SIL in April we went there, and my sil is taking pottery classes there. What a treat to have your work accepted. Enjoy tonight's opening.

[V-Grrrl]

Hi Lorna,

Thanks for coming by. I love LibertyTown too. It's a favorite place to visit and buy art. I love the variety and the happy vibe there. I really can't wait to see the exhibit tonight and see what others have done with the theme.

[nikki hardin]

fantastic!

[Donna L. Faber]

I understand how you feel ... second guessing our "realness" as artists is natural, I think, and as we climb the tiny steps up the ladder of our confidence, we see this fear just sort of fade away. Your fade is on .... congratulations! D~