This weekend was when Summerfair sends out the invites. I was at an event with another local artist when the no thanks emails came in. I stayed pretty cool about it as it was only my second time to apply, but about an hour after I read mine I heard her talking about also getting rejected. She is a potter and uses local clay etc.
We commiserated over the fact if you live near this event they seem to not let us stick a toe in the door. Had I never applied or talked to other artists that live in the Cincinnati area I wouldn't think that, but it does seem to be a trend. Very hard for "locals" to get in. I kind of let this rejection roll off my back.. but I could see she was upset.
It was pretty funny when about an hour later I had local people saying.. will you be at Summerfair and I had to say no.. I didn't get in. They couldn't believe it. I hear it a lot.. you should do Summerfair. There is nothing like your work there. Well maybe the jury just doesn't like non-precious metal work. But I have decided this year to not take any rejection personally. It is part of the learning process.
Oh.. and a show I did get into, I heard from one someone on the inside that only sat with the jury, but was not on the jury. And I quote...if the jury had their way, only fine jewelry would get into a show. As a non-fine jewelry artist that is kind of disheartening to hear. I have a large fan base that likes my one of a kind art jewelry. But I have been getting into enough good shows I will soldier on.
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