My First Exhibition Proposal - Rejected

I received a letter last week from a really exciting space that would have been lovely to get into. I found that they were accepting exhibition proposals for 2006-07 and I really wanted to get in on the action. Being that it was my first try and assembling something like this I called the space and asked a few questions to clarify what exactly they would prefer to have included. Confident that I could properly express my potential I set out to get the packet together.

I knew I was at a bit of a strange phase with my current body of work (only having a handful of pieces), but I felt like if I didn't submit my work it would be a bigger mistake than not having all the pieces done that I'd like.

I gave the stuffed envelope a big squeeze and wished it luck before sending it off to North Carolina.

A handful of months passed and it crossed my mind that I might be hearing from them soon. I swung by my PO box and sure enough, there was an envelope from them, stuffed to the gills (not a good sign).

"Dear Suzanne,

Thank you for submitting your proposal for review. We appreciate your dedication to your work and your interest in exhibiting here.

We had an extremely difficult time making a decision. We received nearly two hundred submissions and have just a few open slots to fill per year. We regret that we were unable to offer you an opportunity to exhibit at this time. Enclosed you will find your materials.

Please keep up with us and do consider submitting a proposal for our next call.

Regards,

The Director of Programs & Exhibitions"

Well, I slipped my materials out of the envelope after reading the letter. My stomach sank as I saw the slides I had selected to send for review. What in the world was I thinking?? I'm glad I took the chance, but the next time around I know that I will be much better prepared to REALLY show my work. Since then I've completed over ten more paintings and the series is much more cohesive. Next time...