September 24, 2009 
As long as I can remember, I wanted to be an artist. However, I decided in high school this may not be the most practical career choice and decided to alter my path slightly. And although I have taken several art classes, I’ve never tried to get a piece of art into an competition/ exhibition/show. (Not unless you count the exhibit I was in when I was in third grade and my snowman was chosen to represent Johnston County in a state-wide exhibit at the State Capitol.)A local art group called Clayton Visual Arts hosts an annual competition that is open to all artists. I decided to enter one of my monotypes, sent in my $20 entry fee, and had a friend drop off the work for me as I was in Ohio riding roller coasters the day I was supposed to drop it off.
The piece that I entered was a small monotype that was actually completed my senior year of college. Its part of the series I did for my final project, all quick studies of a nude. The images are rather abstracted and I was worried when a piece was taken from the series whether the viewer could even determine what it was supposed to be. Interestingly, I really didn’t like monotype at first and, suffering from Senioritis, was well on my way to getting my first “C” half way through the semester (apparently you CAN get something less than an “A” in a Studio Art Class), but after doing quick studies with the nude, something finally clicked and I began to really enjoy the medium. I really haven’t created much since college, which leads me to believe that I may need the pressure of deadlines of a class to create.
The reception for the competition was last Thursday and I attended to get a photo of myself with my work, proof that I had been included in an art exhibit. Several people remarked on the low price I had set ($75) but having spent 5 minutes on the piece and getting a cheap aluminum frame from Dick Blick, I don’t have much time or money invested in it to try to sell it for big bucks.
So who out there has had a piece of art in an exhibition? Win prize money? Sell your art?
Hey wow good for you! I’m definitely using this for my bucket list, it’s an awesome one to have! Thanks and well done
Yeah, I like this one a lot. The trick is to find an art show that is open and let’s anyone in!