An Audience of One
On the first weekend in October, the Bedford Arts Collective held their 3rd annual Artist Showcase. This 3-hour exhibit was held in the upstairs room at the Grindstone Cowboy, a local restaurant on the square in Shelbyville.
Twenty talented local artists submitted over 200 pieces of art for the display. Guests and artists were invited to vote on their preferred pieces in several different categories. With two pianists setting a background mood of creative exploration, people perused the work with ballots in hand all evening. I had eight pieces on exhibit at this juried art show.
While almost all the pieces were for sale, the goal was to expose the community to some of the local talent. And, one of my pieces, 
“Waiting for You,” did sell during the show.
What a surprise! A sale at my first art exhibit!
Another surprise – another piece, “Docked”, a 12 x 16 painting of a rowboat tied to a dock, received an award for “Best Use of Color.”
What a night!
When I began this new chapter in my life, I had no idea any of my work would sell, much less win an award. And while I’m delighted its selling (and, frankly, I hope it continues to sell), that’s not my goal.
Obviously, I want to grow as an artist and create art that blesses others. But I’m really doing this to please the One who gave me this ability in the first place. I can almost feel Him smile when I am working on a painting.
The apostle Paul said, “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23).
And that’s how I see this new adventure – a chance to grow, to bless others, and to please Him.
I send a sincere thank you to everyone who attended the Showcase and to those who voted for me. I have placed this ribbon on my easel as a reminder to me that the award really belongs to HIm.