I am sad to say that my two submissions to the CVG 2024 exhibit in Bremerton were not accepted, and I am very disappointed. I feel that my recent 3-D works hve taken my work to a new level. The submitted pieces were ambitious in subject matter and implementation, and I do still feel they are successful.

But maybe not: it is difficult to hold on to this conviction. Failure to get work in a juried art show will be discouraging, in spite of the fact that many other good artists have their work rejected. And despite knowing that there are many reasons why specific entries will not be accepted. Somehow knowing this, and considering the possible reasons, is just not particularly reassuring! It still shakes my faith a bit.

The problem is that I, like many artists, attempt to communicate with my work. So this rejection can feel like a failure. And no reason will ever be given.

And in many cases no notification is given to rejected artists. Artists submit images of their entries for the CVG show using the online Cafe Call for Entry system. This is the only way to submit entries, however the juror was not expected? or required? to use Cafe to make selections, or to update the status to indicate selection process is now complete.

Instead I searched for and found a list of invited artists’ names published on a separate exhibit web site. This was posted a few days prior to the separately published show schedule, which lists the deadline for selections.

After inquiring, I was told all artist entrants should have received an email notice, and sure enough there was an email in my spam folder, as it did not come from the Cafe system. So they did notify everyone.

This is a fairly important show for our region, although the actual exhibit space is not large. The show gallery chooses prestigious jurors, and coordinates decent cash awards, along with one art purchase award. I want to be part of this show, but I am sad to say this is not my year. And I suspect that I won’t want to enter next year!