WHAT I KNOW
Happy Birthday to this blog! That’s right folks, I published the very first AAAD blog post one year ago today. And, I am at a loss for what to say.
I don’t know how to mark this anniversary…this birthday. I suppose could use this post to thank all the people that have become true assets to me personally as an artist and blog editor, but you don’t wanna read that?
What I really want to say is…
I have all the answers to success in the art world.
The perfect show is…
The perfect gallery is…
The perfect art deadline is…
The recipe for success is…
But, the truth is… I don’t know anymore about that than when I started a year ago. All of you that read this blog have taught me an enormous amount, and what I’ve learned has changed the face of this blog. For example:
I no longer provide long lists of show opportunities. One show a day with rare exception. You don’t like reading long lists, and I don’t like writing them. The more thorough, personal approach to each show is what sets AAAD apart, I think.
My readers don’t leave comments. I don’t take it personally that I get so few comments because you email me personally. I LOVE that you feel comfortable enough to drop me a line instead of leaving a comment. I have only had a few complaints over the past year including one reader who ever so gently reprimanded me for being less thorough than usual in one of my posts. Thanks for keeping me on my game.
Alot of my readers are foodies. I can’t tell you how many $2 Art Contest entries I get that with the subject line “I’m a Peach.” I LOVE that you really read this blog. Featured Artists are usually sent a quiz that has a few questions about food, and inevitable they are a fan of both chocolate AND junk food. LOVE it.
Just a note: The most recently chosen Featured Artist will be published in a few days, and those answers were riotously funny.
Gallery Directors are real people. I, of course, have always known this tidbit having been a gallery director; however, I have learned through their personal interaction with me via phone and email that Gallery Directors still have a PASSION for art.
Artists view gallery directors and jurors as the gatekeepers sometimes, but most of the Gallery Directors I know want to show more art than they can find the space or money to promote.
Success stories are real. I get regular reports from some of you about the shows that you entered and were juried into successfully. Yeah! Thank you for working hard and producing the work that is getting you into shows. You’ve also kept me updated on the less than successful entries…which has been enlightening…because there are patterns.
I want to close this blog with a little entertainment and motivation. There are artists and galleries and blogs that inspire me everyday. Here is a tiny handful:
Walking Off the Big Apple by Teri Tynes. I do not live in NYC, but reading Teri’s daily escapades reminds me that life is for the living and that it won’t come to you…you have to go explore.
Images by Catherine Roach. She is a Featured Artist on this site, and I find her work eternally optimistic, funny and occasionally a little dark and twisted. She is always eager and full of life, and sometimes I really need that.
Toni’s Treehouse by Toni Turbeville Morton. This blog is a quirky combination of eco-friendly living and recipes with mommy stories thrown in. This blog reminds me that life ISN’T really all about art, and sometimes I need that reminder.
Ogle’s Broom Shop and The Cliff Dweller’s Gallery. I live in Gatlinburg, TN which is home of the largest group of independent artisans in North America. And my work does not always fit into their mold, but they have welcomed me with an open heart.
Thank you for being a reader of ArtAndArtDeadlines.com!
I would love for you to leave a comment today…
or send me an email since we know old habits die hard, ha!
Wishing you a happy birthday onyour blog! Always enjoy reading it– your personality comes shining through as if I was speaking right with you. Personally, your words encouraged me to enter a show where my work was featured front & center (the same piece that was rejected by another show & juror!) Ah, the roller coaster ride of being an artist in an unfamiliar medium!
Thanks for the ray of AAAD sunshine! Appreciate the nod to Cliff Dwellers Gallery, too!
Creatively,
Pat K. Thomas
PS Did you catch my weird recipe for watermelon & tomatoes? ;D
Wow. I am sorry I have not been reading this blog. I stepped outside the door of art one day and it locked behind me. I will put it in my favorites. It will be like looking through the keyhole.
Happy Birthday AAAD!
So honored to be a part of something so wonderful and inspiring 🙂
Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear ArtAndArtDeadlines.com… hold on a sec… gotta catch my breath after that one… Happy Birthday to you! And MANY MANY more! 🙂
Congratulations my love! Your readership growth has been awesome over the first year because you are interesting and talented! I am proud of you! I think there are thousands more who can and will benefit from your blog!
I found your blog only recently and what a find!
I look forward to your daily emails and enjoyed reading
how you viewed your past year and what
changes have happened since you started this blog.
I think too often the readership of blogs don’t correspond
back to the blog creator/writer on how much they appreciate
what they bring to our understanding and delight of what
happens in the, in case art, world.
I write a blog too and am sorry
to say I fallen into this category. So, thank you!
I will continue to enjoy, appreciate and be grateful people
like you are out there and take the time to pass on
knowledge and creative writings/musings to the rest of us.
Happy Birthday! I recently found this and immediately signed up for email alerts. I have enjoyed reading them. I forward the interesting shows for photography. I am also an artist, but one who has never developed the exhibit aspect of my work. I have been painting for many years, but it was never the “primary” function of my life. When I found this blog, it has encouraged me to re-energize my art and make the step of trying to get it recognized more. I currently write and display bits of my older work on Open Salon. Thanks for blogging into the artist’s psyche.
Happy birthday! Loved being your August artist, always check out the shows you’re featuring but most of all love reading your blog every morning for your wicked sense of humor. Thanks for all the before the sun even comes up grins! xoox
Happy Birthday to your blog.