The Artist Within

By Lauren Walker

What a lot of work and time spent! For the second year in a row, I helped to organize the Oshawa Artist Association Juried show at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery.

What is a Juried Art show?

For those of you unfamiliar with a Juried Art Show, it is when artists submit their work to a gallery for judging by a selected pair or individual. These judges are reputable and professionals in their field. If your work is selected, it will be included in an exhibition at the gallery. Juried shows can be done in person or online.

Why Participate?

Juried art shows are just a fun way to test your mettle against other local artists. It's exciting to see your work hanging in a professional art gallery. It is nerve-wracking for any beginner, mind you. More experienced artists are accustomed to acceptance and rejection. There's no guarantee your work will make it in. The more you expose yourself to the shows, the more confidence you build.

Rejection is inevitable! I've been rejected so many times, it rolls off my back at this point. The key is to learn and move on. Opportunity is always around the corner, and who knows, you may just make it in next year. You have to walk in with the expectation you may not get in, and if/when you do get accepted, it is all the more exciting.

How to Get Your Work into a Juried Show

I am running a workshop called "How to Get Your Work into a Juried Show" on Saturday, May 9th, at St. John's Presbyterian Church, 319 Queen Street, Port Perry, from noon to 2 p.m. You're welcome to attend for $40, and I'll show you how to present your work professionally for a gallery show.

Happy Painting!

Find me on Instagram @theartistwithin86.