Even the most talented artists face rejection — but what if embracing it could be your ticket to nationwide recognition? Discover how to navigate the highs and lows of juried exhibitions and why you should never pass up the chance to showcase your artwork.
Article by Brigitte Bentele
Over the years, I’ve applied to Juried Exhibitions at three galleries - Bowery, Prince Street, and First Street - in the Chelsea section of NYC. I’ve been accepted at times (Bowery, 2009, 2013; Prince Street, 2015, 2018; First Street, 2022) and rejected more. Since the entry fees at these galleries is an annual fundraiser, I don’t mind participating, even knowing that my paintings will likely be rejected.
Generally, there is one juror. I assume that the juror evaluates not only the merit of each piece of art but also tries to curate a show. Recently, an artist told me about CaFE - www.CallForEntry.org which lists opportunities for artists to apply to gallery shows throughout the country. There is diversity in the listings, and it can be exhausting to go through them.
This year in June, I applied to the Flowing & Flying: A National Juried Exhibition of Artworks Featuring Waterscapes & Water Birds at the D’Art Gallery in Norfolk, Virginia. I thought the theme of “flowing” was particularly well-suited for watercolor. I also considered that a distant friend lives somewhere in Virginia and it would be fun to visit her if I were accepted.
It was so exciting to learn that a painting of a winter scene at Otis Reservoir that I had painted on a chilly day last October would be part of the exhibit from August 3-31. I took the painting to Jack’s Art Gallery on Broadway and 110th Street to have it framed, put it in a Uline box to have it shipped to the gallery, and thought about taking a trip to Norfolk.
Little did I realize how big a state Virginia is and how far the Shenandoah Valley is from the coast. So I won’t see the exhibit in person nor visit my friend. Still, it’s been wonderful to see the paintings of the exhibit online and share the link with family and friends (my painting is on the second page).
Two years ago, I saw an exhibit of the drawings of the renowned French classical artist, Jacques-Louis David, at the Metropolitan Museum, and learned that as a student of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, he was rejected three times before he was accepted to the Prix de Rome. Even a gifted artist can experience the disappointment of not being accepted.
But you can’t win unless you play! I encourage you to apply to competitions and take advantage of opportunities to have strangers all over the country, as well as family and friends, see your work. And perhaps someone will buy your painting!
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