". . . a brush with nature"

Your mission, as an artist, should you choose to accept it, is to create the art you are passionate about. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to show your work to the world. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to seize opportunities to show AND sell your art IF that is your dream. That mission is NOT impossible, it is certainly attainable, but you do have to look for the opportunities, grab onto them and work towards the goal.

The world has changed dramatically over the last year for everyone. This is certainly no different for artists, galleries and other art show organizers. Everyone has had to adapt and adjust. Everything looks different, but many opportunities are still out there. Even though many in person festivals and shows have been cancelled for good reason (to keep artists and attendees safe), there are other chances to show and sell your art.

I haven’t actually attended an art show in person since late 2019, but my paintings have been seen in many. Many gallery and other juried shows are now either a hybrid mix of showing the art by appointments and showing online or strictly online only. The owners and organizers are adapting in order to stay in business, give clients an opportunity to see and purchase great art and artists the chance to show their work and sell. 

In person receptions and award ceremonies may be a thing of the past, but new virtual forms of these are taking the place of them. Just in the last week my husband and I “attended” a wonderful opening day walk through of the Women Artists of the West Exhibition in Kerrville, Texas, and the awards ceremony of Winterfest for the Arts in Chewelah, WA. Since I have work in both of these shows I very much wanted to participate to the fullest extent that I was able.

The 51st National Exhibition for Women Artists of the West is hanging at the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville, TX, through March 19, 2021. Besides the virtual opening day tour given by the museum Executive Director on Facebook, other YouTube videos and social media sharing is scheduled throughout the length of the show. Private showings are also being scheduled. In fact, on opening day, baseball great Nolan Ryan and his wife, Ruth took a personal tour with Executive Director, Dr. Darrell Beauchamp! 

Dr. Darrell Beauchamp with Nolan Ryan

The same week, Winterfest for the Arts held the awards presentation remotely and online from two locations in different states. It was made available in real time “live” to the participating artists and others who wanted to attend via the wonders of modern technology. The two award jurors made their presentations from Portland, Oregon, while viewers could see the gallery and art displayed in Chewelah, WA. I found out my painting was awarded an Honorable Mention right along with everyone else viewing the event! The only difference being that I was watching with my husband from the comfort of my own home. I was even able to speak to the judges directly and hear their comments regarding my painting. Two days later the actual award arrived in the mail.

                                "Kickin' Up Dust" at Trails End Gallery

These are only two examples of the many shows, sales and gallery events I have participated in this past year. Some were more successful for me than others. Some I will choose to participate in again if given the chance or if I have art that is accepted. Others I will not even consider again because they weren’t a good fit. Learn and adapt.

Art opportunities ARE out there...they just don’t look the same. Your mission, which is NOT impossible, is to find the opportunities that are right for you...then accept...adapt...and embrace the challenge! It’s all part of doing the business side of art.