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!