Thoughts From Marsha

Entering shows and competitions is hard work but something an artist does at some time during their career ... I call it my “journey.” It takes a lot of work, and a bit of money, and sometimes learning new skills to be able to do these events.

I was honored to have a pastel painting accepted into the American Impressionist Society (AIS) Small Works Show that is showing in Knoxville, TN at The District Gallery. There were 1615 entries for this show, and 154 were chosen! Wow!!! That is about 10% of those entries being chosen.

                                                                        My painting "Family Tubing" is a 12" x 16" pastel.

We were only able to travel to this show for two nights and one full day. I was gone for about five days a little over a week earlier this month to the Oil Painters of America National Show being held in Charleston SC. It gets pricey when traveling and registering for these events. I also had to pay to ship my piece to Knoxville for the AIS show, and if it doesn’t sell, then it will be shipped back to me (which will be charged to me).

We arrived the day before the Opening and Awards Ceremony, but after unloading our bags at the hotel, we drove straight to the gallery to see the show before the crowds on the actual opening event. I was able to walk around and look at all 154 paintings that were accepted. This organization allows all the painting mediums to be entered. I think I was told there were only about 10 pastel paintings accepted!

Getting there the day before allowed us to also attend a discussion the next morning by the wonderful artist, Kathie Odom and her husband, Buddy. They talked about her career, the things that had been done to help her become one of the best artists in America. There was lots of humor and many ideas I know some artists didn’t think about. I’ve been doing this a long time, and knew a good bit of what they were talking about. I did come away with a couple of new ideas. But, it was great that my husband was able to attend with me and hear them talk about all of it!

Attending these events is important and also loads of fun because I get to see friends that live across the country and some that live closer ... that I don’t get to see often. Meeting new artists and discussing their work, finding out more about them ... and connecting through our love of creating art ... is so much fun.


Here is a photo I took of the crowd. I took many photos of the paintings hanging on the wall to remind me of what stopped me, maybe something that I had not seen before. And, these photos help me decide to try new things as well.

If you live near The District Gallery on Kingston Pike in Knoxville TN, go by and see this wonderful showing of artwork by the members of the American Impressionist Society.

I think you will be in awe of the work you see! I know that I was.