My Heart Skipped A Beat–I Feel So Honored!

Yesterday my heart skipped a beat when I opened my email and saw the subject matter “Best of America 2015 Jury Result”.  I thought to myself as I read the first paragraph–“Another rejection letter where they pump you up with the ‘exceptionally difficult decision’ they had to make . . .”  This is what it said–

The National Oil & Acrylic Painters’ Society (NOAPS) has completed the jury results for the 25th BEST of AMERICA Exhibit 2015. We received 694 exceptional entries. After the difficult task of reviewing all the entries, the jurors selected only 113 to be part of NOAPS Silver Anniversary Best of America Exhibit with over $15,000 in cash and sponsor awards.

(This is where my heart skipped) CONGRATULATIONS!  Be proud of your accomplishment! One of your paintings was chosen to be part of this remarkable exhibit. Please check your entry through Juried Art Services (JAS) to see the details of your accepted art. A list of all the accepted artists is included in the NOAPS Website, Best of America website page. Images of the accepted art will be posted in the NOAPS Website by the middle of September.

I was so excited when I saw the congratulations I almost forgot how to log into JAS.  I’d submitted two pieces and “Look! Flying Jewels!” was accepted.  This will be the 3rd show for that piece this year–first on Orcas Island, WA and currently in Texas.  I believe I just may have to go back to MO for this show opening, just to rub shoulders with the other “Best of America” artists 😉

On another success note–yes, there’s been a lot going on in my career even though I’ve been bad about keeping everyone posted–my piece, “Territorial Dispute” was a finalist in The Artist Magazine annual competition!

Again, what an honor and thrill to be recognized in the pack of entries they received, over 7,500.  I have been blessed this year with kudos, now it’s time to get some fresh work done for October and November.  In October I will have a solo show at Lava Java in Ridgefield, WA–good coffee and a great place to get art in the public–which coincides with the huge Birdfest in Ridgefield in October 3 & 4.  Then I will be participating in the Clark County Open Studio Tours again this year.  Put it on your calendar, there are some great artists participating this year–wish I could go.  It happens November 14 and 15, 10-5 each day.  (More to come on that later).

In closing–I am not a good stay-at-home work person–I am too distracted by home things (women get this).  I am moving into a much-anticipated studio space this weekend.  It has been a two month wait but it will be worth it.  Pictures to follow–I’m SOOOOOOO excited!