Play, Frolic, Laugh

Many artists I respect in Missoula encouraged me this year

to submit work for consideration to be included in The Yellowstone Art Museum’s art auction.  The YAM is in Billings, and I have visited it before.  It is a wonderful museum.

The submission process was a little more hands-on than the MAM’s, as I had to actually burn a CD of the works I intended to submit, put them in an envelope and mail them off.  This probably cost me about $2 in materials/postage and about an hour of my time, compared to the $5 and three hours of my time it took to submit  to the MAM’s art auction using their online process.

Not knowing anyone in Billings or at the YAM, I had low expectations for acceptance.  I elected to submit the very first piece I did in the newest incarnation of The Leaving and the Left series, as well as the very last piece I did in the series.

I was not surprised when I received my self-addressed stamped envelope with the Billings postmark in the mail last week.  I opened it with hopeful hands. Admittedly, I was disappointed to not have been chosen, but the way in which the news was delivered softened the blow, made me feel appreciated and made me want to apply again next year.

As you’ll see, their letter comes across as heartfelt, genuine and honest. (Even signed with real ink!) They included complimentary passes for admission to the museum, good for a year. Letter after the jump.

Granted, the MAM does not charge admission to the museum, which is amazing and very much appreciated by the Missoula community. How could they have compensated rejected artists for their time and effort? A ticket for a free glass of wine at one of their events? (No, wine/beer/liquor are not free at the MAM, unless you are a member, and even then, only the first one is free.) An invitation/pass to be included in a “special event” that may be scheduled some time in the future? Something else? I don’t know.

What I do know is that the Yellowstone Art Museum gets it right.  Thank you, YAM.

My Heaven Sent Lover