Some Ups, One Down, and a Beanie Baby

"Come Home Collie," oil, 6"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2012 is the latest in my Beanie Baby Series

It's been a funny day.

One Down
I went down to Alexandria (VA) to pick up my two pieces that were not selected for this month's All-Media Membership Exhibit at the Art League. They are two -- what I consider wonderful -- pieces. Only one can get in each month (a rule I wish they'd change) and most months I go back to the Torpedo Factory to pick up the piece that wasn't chosen. Each exhibit brings a new juror with their own tastes and perspectives.

I usually ask (my husband) Randy to call to find out the results based on a superstitious belief that his calling will help my luck. When he told me that neither pieces were accepted, I thought he was kidding. Not so.

The exhibit is strong with some really striking pieces. But there were very, very few realistic pieces. There are many great realist/representational painters at the Art League and I missed seeing their ... and my own work on the wall.

If I had researched the juror, I would have known that my art work would probably not appeal to him. That would have been a smart move ... and saved me two trips. Next time.

Ups

But that extra trip gave me some nice visiting and exploring time at the Torpedo Factory. I went to see Cindy Packard Richmond and Susan Makara in their respective studios ... and I'm looking forward to spending more time with them in August. My studio for the month will be two studios away from Susan's on the third floor.

"Quiet," charcoal, ©Jill Banks accepted into Salmagundi Club Annual

"Quiet" Accepted into the Salmagundi Graphics Exhibition

Good news arrived in the mailbox. My charcoal drawing "Quiet" was accepted into the Salmagundi Club's Annual Photography and Graphics Exhibition. Because the club is undergoing renovations, the exhibit will be held at a gallery in Chelsea in NYC, Denise Bibro Fine Art, August 1 through August 10.

"Come Home Collie" is the latest painting in my Beanie Baby series. I painted his/her Ty tag on this evening. A full day.

Exhibits and Events

May 20-June 23, Wayne Plein Air Exhibition 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA (May 15-19). Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center.  Eight pieces for purchase/on exhibit.

August, Visiting Resident Studio Artist, Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA, Studio #333

August 1-10, "Quiet" in Salmagundi Club's Annual Photography and Graphics Exhibition held at Denise Bibro Fine Art, Chelsea, NYC.

Sunday, October 14, MPA Artfest Outdoor Juried Arts Festival, McLean Central Park, McLean, VA

Saturday and Sunday, October 20&21, Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, 10am-5pm, visit artists in their studios throughout Great Falls on a self-guided tour. I’ll be at the Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

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