My First Juried Exhibition

This week I saw my work hanging in a gallery for the very first time.

Unprompted is currently on display at the Alpharetta Arts Center as part of the Love Is show and I still can’t quite believe it.

This is my first juried exhibition. When I received the acceptance email, I cried. I know it’s a community art show, but it felt significant to me. 

Someone outside my immediate circle looked at my work and chose it.

Two Visits, Two Versions of Me

I went to see the piece twice.

The first time was midweek last week after a particularly hard day for me in corporate America. It had been emotional and draining. I almost didn’t go, but I did and Tristan came with me.

Walking into that space and seeing my painting on the wall, surrounded by so many beautiful works by other amazing artists, felt incredibly uplifting. 

When I looked back at the photos later, I saw how tired I looked. The day had taken its toll. For a moment I thought, I can’t share these. I look exhausted.

I went back on Saturday after my daughter’s tennis match. I stopped by again with just a few minutes to spare before closing. Daylight streamed through the windows and highlighted all of the pieces in beautiful natural light. Again, I felt lighter, happier, and present.

The photos from that visit are the ones I’m sharing, partly because the light is actually better, but mostly because they capture my joy more clearly.

What This Meant to Me

Seeing my work on display was more meaningful than I anticipated.

This art practice of mine, the one I’ve committed to nurturing each week for any spare time I have, exists completely separate from my corporate life. It isn’t tied to performance reviews, strategy decks, or difficult conversations.

Whatever comes of it, whether this piece sells, whether I get into more shows, whether it evolves into something bigger, the act of showing up consistently and growing as an artist is already rewarding.

What’s Next

Unprompted will be on display at the Alpharetta Art Center through February 28.

It is also currently available for purchase on my website. If it doesn’t sell, it already has a beautiful home in my living room.

I’m also planning to apply to more open calls this year. 

More than anything, I’m embracing the experience.

If you are local, I’d love for you to stop by and see the show to see the many other artists who also answered what “Love Is” to them.

And if you’ve been building something of your own, let this be your reminder to keep going.