Acceptance and Rejection

Today, I received notifications for 2 juried print exhibitions, these are the first notifications for 2010.

First, the rejection. The last 2 years, I had a piece accepted into Ink & Clay, a print and ceramic exhibition at the Kellogg Gallery, California State Poly University in Pomona, California. This year, for Ink & Clay 36, my pieces were rejected. Prior to 2008, all of my pieces were rejected every year I submitted work. Am I bummed? No, I submitted 3 new monotypes that I would call a little edgy. There is always next year.

Now, the acceptance. The Mid-America Print Council has an annual juried members show. This year, 94 pieces from 32 artists were entered. The exhibition will showcase 27 pieces from 25 artists. Pretty good odds, however, last year my pieces were rejected and in 2007 as well. Good news is always welcome.

Sometimes, there are surprises. A piece doesn't get accepted, and I am baffled as to how the juror could not accept it. Then there are the times a piece of mine gets accepted over another one of mine and I feel baffled as well.

I have been keeping a accepted/rejected spreadsheet since 2003. As of today, I have been accepted 55 times out of 130 entries, that tallies to 75 rejections. Despite what would be consider a losing record , I feel successful.