Still in something of a brain fog I arrived late only barely registering that my two entries hung near the front door, one of which (Redemption) had a compact yet evocative arrangement in front of it. After four years of participating in the show, I knew that my work had been acknowledged but since I won first place the year before, I assumed lightening simply couldn't strike twice. I headed to the bar for a glass of wine.
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| Redemption © Lissa Banks 2017 |
Since I'd arrived late I moseyed around the place to see if I knew anyone or any of the artists whose work hung on the walls. There were beautiful pieces, one of which, had a fabulous arrangement in front of it. After noting the use of tree bark, I turned and complimented the artist on her win. She had no idea the arrangement meant she'd won a prize so was thrilled. I moved on and ran into a friend who congratulated me on my sale. Sale?!? I hadn't even looked at my work. Hooray!
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| Grace © Lissa Banks 2017 |
At about halfway around the room the director hit the mic and began announcing the winners. The woman I congratulated earlier received an honorable mention, then a second was announced and a third. I was surprised, for some reason I thought my humble offering would have been in that group. Must be a third place. Nope, not me. Nor second. I was astonished to hear my name called as having won first prize for the second year in a row! I was totally blown away. Having received my prize and some congrats from friends and fellow artists I took a look at my paintings, the winner and the arrangement that complimented it and the other (Grace), complimented by the little red dot meaning it had been sold.
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| Hopkinton Center for the Arts - Arts in Bloom 2018 |
I've on cloud nine ever since, my jet lag banished and my energy high to get back into the studio and paint away.
May 20, 2018 UPDATE: A couple of days ago I received more excellent news. Seems that Redemption also sold! So really, this post should be named "Three-Fer"!
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