Today is the opening day of the 40th Wild Arts Festival in Portland Oregon. This is an awesome show. It is well organized, has outstanding artists, and supports a great cause. The on-line Marketplace opens at 10:00 this morning. There is a live-streamed celebration for the 40th Anniversary 4:30 today and there is a virtual silent auction all week. https://www.wildartsfestival.org I donated a craftsman style bird house.
The Wild Arts Festival is a big fund raiser for the Audubon Society. Robin and I have gone to the show since we moved to Portland in 2012 to buy art, talk with artists, and support a great cause. Last year I was honored to be selected by the jury as an artist in the show. That was FUN. I have to say, I miss the art festival crowds and camaraderie.
This year I was also fortunate to be accepted into the show. When the full impact of the pandemic hit and the Festival decided to shift from an in person show to a virtual venue I was all in. I am a huge supporter of arts. They play a critical role in our society. Most of you know I am an engineer by education and occupation. I feel firsthand how also being an artist helps me balance my world.
Art also teaches you to be comfortable failing. When you make art, you make it for you. You are the maker and first viewer. If you like what you made, then you feel good. When you sell art, someone else also needs to like it. That is the part that can be uncomfortable. That is the part that is so valuable. As an artist, can you work up the courage to hear that someone doesn’t like your artwork? Can stand being rejected by a juried show or gallery? Its hard and its valuable and I believe it makes me a better person - braver, more empathetic, more understanding, and calmer.
So check out the show. https://www.wildartsfestival.org Check out the Audubon Society. https://audubonportland.org/our-work/protect/habitat-and-wildlife/
THANK YOU for supporting artists during these strange times.