From the Publisher's Desk...Didn't Win a Ribbon? Don't Fret! Keep on Entering Those Art Shows...here's why

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• Super Bowl's Vince Lombardi trophy...

• Gold, silver and bronze medals to the Olympic champions...

• The Masters Green Jacket ceremony...

• The Stanley Cup...

Whether its sports or the arts, public recognition and their attending celebrations fuel enthusiasm, instill motivation and boost morale for all.

As an artist, you've probably experienced the anticipation of entering an art show where you might not only win a ribbon but also a cash prize -- heady stuff!

There you are, standing at the awards ceremony listening to the judge announce the winners from top prizes down to the Honorable Mentions. You're holding your breath afraid if you breathe too loudly over your pounding heart you just might miss hearing your own name called.

Then, too soon, all the ribbons have been distributed with nary a mention of your own name leaving you in the dark -- why was your work overlooked? You find yourself questioning -- why not me? Why was I disqualified?

Well, as a person who judges shows and regularly attends ones that others have judged, I'll tell you. Chances are there may be absolutely nothing wrong with your work. And had you entered it to be reviewed by another judge, in some other show, it might have received a ribbon.

Art is subjective. Inadvertently, judges can let their own personal tastes and preferences dictate their choices instead of adhering to the principles of what makes good art. For example, I have attended art shows where I immediately knew who the judge was -- before even checking their name -- simply based on observing their award selections!

Recently, I attended a show where a famous, internationally recognized artist had submitted an outstanding piece that immediately captured my attention. But guess what...it was completely overlooked by that show's judge -- not even a merit award!

Should You Approach a Judge for Feedback?

Depends...some judges state in advance they will not give critiques to those who were not selected. Their choice but such a missed opportunity for those artists dedicated to learning more and getting better.

I like it when an artist approaches me and asks, "Will you look at my work, tell me what you think, and how I can improve?" For me, there's nothing more exciting than engaging in a lively discussion with an artist about their work and offering some objective insights that might not have occurred to them.

Back to ribbons...The ultimate validation to remember is this -- are YOU satisfied with it? You could have the BEST piece in a show and still not receive an award. Don't get discouraged. Keep your eyes on the prize of creating your own best work and nurturing your talent like the precious gift it is. Winning a ribbon, receiving that check, even selling to a patron -- well, that's all pure gravy. And one of these days, when you least expect it, the judge will announce..."And this evening' s top prize goes to .... YOU! ###

-- Lynne Kornecki, Publisher

Artist and author, JAN SCHRADER, contributed to this article -- thank you!

Enjoy this week's issue and please continue to "Keep those cards and letters coming" with all your art news! Send to: contact@artbeatbuzz.com