And now I wait…

Jurors with their clipboards

Bright and early last Sunday morning I took my artwork in for jurying. I am trying once again to get into an art show I have been trying to get into for years. It's been over a week and I am still waiting to hear back from them. I guess I am a glutton for punishment as this is the eighth time I have tried to get into this show.

Like all the rest of the artists standing in line on this cold December morning, I have my hopes up that I will get into this show.

All the previous years my hopes have been dashed. For whatever reasons, they did not accept my art.

Of course, the first thing I think when I get that rejection letter is that they don't like me.

Wrong.

It is not personal. The selection of artwork for a show or even a gallery is based on the needs of the show. Your art may be fabulous, but for any number of reasons, it just doesn't get accepted into a show. The style may not fit the show. Maybe it's the subject matter. It could be that the quality of your work, either too low, or even too high. There may already be too many other artists already in the show in your medium. Or maybe the jurors were just having a bad day.

There are just so many possible reasons that there is no way of knowing why your work gets rejected.

The point is if you are going to put your work out there, it is going to get judged. It may be judged by a juror when applying to a show, by a curator to get into a gallery or museum, or by the public when they purchase your work.

Any time your work is judged there is the possibility of rejection. The point is, don't take is personally. Keep trying. Would you rather have your work gathering dust in the closet, or out in the world where it can be seen? It's your choice.

Update: Well, another year, another rejection. I am drowning my sorrows in a box of See's molasses chips.