ArtPrize finalized!

My journey through registering with ArtPrize is now complete, with a few surprises.

First, I had a piece developed in my head, as previously mentioned, that I was going to call "My Valentine: A Confessional." I thought it was pretty good and was looking forward to making it.

A chance encounter at the health department changed that. Will's nutrition nurse is a "fan" (I have a fan, whoa!), and asked me what I was planning on creating for this year. A co-worker pops up like a prairie dog and says "artprize?!" She was in charge of distributing grant funds to artists, and one of her artists had just pulled out. Did I want to be one of their funded artists? Sure!

One catch: in order to recieve the grant, I had to change the theme of my art to something related to breastfeeding, as the monies are coming from the Kent Coalition on Breastfeeding. Since Will is my valentine now until forever, having the experience of being his mom served as the perfect inspiration.

Now, onto hooking up with a venue. I was somewhat selective in contacting venues. I wanted to be SEEN this year, and chose places closer to the heart of the action. I asked to be in art galleries, sandwich shops, boutiques, hotels, gyms, restaurants and bridal shops. One by one, I deleted half of my list, either because they weren't a great fit for me, or my work wasn't what they wanted.

Out of the blue, I heard from a nightclub that was interested in me, and asked me to come down for a visit. So I had a business meeeting - at 1am. The place? Rumors Nightclub, the premier gay establishment in town. Feeling strangely awkward for being a.)41 years old; and b.) straight, I held my head high and went in. Amazingly cool place, it was like being at the rink, only with a dance floor instead of ice. Tracy the bartender gave me a tour and Monica the DJ talked business with me. I eyed the dance floor, the balcony, the picture window, and both ladies steered me towards coat check. Small room with lots of visual exposure, the art would be protected behind a velvet rope (!), yet visible from inside and the large front picture window.

Outside, we small-talked about ArtPrize and what my work is about. Girls bein' girls, they both asked me "please do something pretty."

I was flattered by the welcome, and honored by their request. I was unofficially welcomed by Rumors last week, and today, they made their selection official. I can't wait to start.