Not a Rejection, but a solo show!

"Dear Ms. Clements,

Congratulations! Your work has been accepted by the College Fine Arts Gallery Committee for a solo show in our 2006-2008-exhibition schedule.

Our committee is composed of Full-Time and Part-Time Fine Arts Faculty, the Fine Arts Department Head, and the Fine Arts Gallery Curator. In total we received over 60 submissions for the 11 openings that we have planned in our gallery from August 2006 to May 2008, out of which 19 artists were selected for group and solo shows. Because of the limited number of spaces we have available in our schedule the awarding of a solo show carries extra prestige.

Attached you will find the pertinent material for your exhibition, including the date of the exhibition and required work delivery date. As stated in the call for entries, the gallery pays for the return shipment of artwork and insurance during the shipment. We ask that if you work is arriving by freight delivery, that you specify which carrier you wish for your work to be returned with and that you contact the carrier to confirm that they are willing to deliver fine art.

Again, congratulations on your solo show, we are excited to have you exhibit with us at the College Fine Arts Gallery. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,


The Curator"

How's that for a little encouragement? Every now and then you'll get a really good letter back. Don't let all the rejections keep you from trying. Rejection is simply part of the game, with so many different opportunities, venues, directors, and jurors, the odds of being just what they need, exactly when they need it can often work against you, but eventually something will shake loose.