Mandan Art Show concludes. Thanks for the ribbons

Today marked the close of the 49th Annual Mandan Art Show, and it was a pretty big success from what I could tell. For instance, there were a ton of participants and student participants. One of the students (I’m so sorry I’ve forgotten her name) had several pieces scattered about that were simply awesome. There are a lot of talented young people in our community!

I saw some work that looked familiar from the ACC art show a short while ago, and lots of other work that I’d never seen before. I am new to photography, and even newer to the whole “art” thing. Being so technically minded and creatively inhibited, I never really considered myself an artist except for the black marks I leave in 150mph corners. With that in mind, this new experience of matting, framing, and entering my photography in art shows is pretty keen. I’m learning a lot!

While I had hoped to sell a piece or two to help offset the enormous costs of a photography hobby (or buy diapers…depends on who you ask), I didn’t sell any at this show. I’ve only been in three shows so far, starting with the BAGA show last December, and was fortunate enough to have sold a major piece at two of the three. But I did have plenty of consolation, even if I have to take diaper money out of the motorcycle fund.

Thanks to everyone who voted, because a big version of the sunset bridge that graces the top of this blog won overall for photography entries as judged by the art show patrons. I was hoping for good results, but this was overwhelming! In addition, one of my Northern Lights photos won a merit ribbon and I received an individual award for my Thresher’s Row photo. It felt pretty sweet to have someone indicate that they like something I created, because I still see myself as a total n00b when it comes to this photography thing. Maybe I’m getting the hang of it finally, after over 20,000 photographs in two years. Then again, most of the photos I had entered were among the first I ever took. Uh oh…

I look forward to the 50th Annual Mandan Art Association show next year. A friend of mine, also a recent enthusiast in the field of digital photography, has started scoping out other art shows across North Dakota. This is going to be a lot of fun…with even more potential for diaper money.

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