Amazing.

     In my last blog post I urged all readers to join me at TRAC's 2019 Annual Juried Summer Arts Fest, promising to be there with many of my finest work. I did not mention much about the juried part of the program, as it is mostly for artists, the general public doesn't really care, as far as I know, and I never win more than an honorable mention anyway, so why bother?

     Well, I was totally shocked when my name was called as the winner. It was the first time I had won first place in a juried art competition! I have been in numerous competitions since I started shooting and showing eight years ago, but this was a first.

     Winning is sweet, and the award money certainly will come in handy, but my emotional reaction is more complicated.  I was elated, speechless, shocked, humbled, and grateful all at once. I thanked everyone from those who attended the event (there was a very good crowd), to the judge, to the organizers, to the young adults who helped us older persons unload their stuff, to all my peeps on Instagram and Facebook who sent me nice notes. 

     Judging is so subjective, in my opinion.  Most of the time I cannot fathom what the judge is thinking when a work or a body of work is awarded a prize.  I am very glad that this time I was the lucky one, but I know there are those who think; Why did his stuff win?  Its not that good! Who knows. I just thankful that that this time it was me.