martha 30x30 oil on wood (2018 aauw juror's choice award)
Goodness. I feel so much gratitude today for the ups and downs of this artist life! This will sound so crazy, but the humility that comes with rejection can be such a gift because when something exciting happens, I feel those emotions so much deeper...and the joy is absolutely exquisite!
Last night I joined friends and fellow local Utah women artists as we celebrated the 36th year of exhibits with the AAUW in our lovely state. The american association of university women (AAUW) supports women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. This juried show comes around every 2 to 3 years and is truly a labor of love by the committee, juror and trustees.
Listening to the stories of the Utah women who've blazed this trail for so many of us warmed my heart. The AAUW juror for this year's show is Ashley Whitaker, head curator at the BYU Museum of Art. Her observations about our work as a community of women artists was inspiring, touching and so insightful. Then, before I knew it, I was asked to stand beside her as she talked about one of my pieces that had been accepted into the show.
As she described so elegantly what she'd received from the piece, tears came to my eyes. I was honored, embarrassed, but mostly so elated to have someone not only find a deep connection with my piece, but to tap into my deepest personal feelings.
Here are some photos from the show. If you'd like to attend, the show runs until
June 27th, 2018 at the Utah Cultural Community Celebration Center
Monday - Thursday 9am - 7pm
Saturday - Sunday 9am - 4pm
1355 W 3100 S, West Valley City, 84119
elenora & remi's forever friendship, 24x24 oil on wood