America's ClayFest is This Weekend!

Well, it's upon me, already! America's ClayFest will be opening in Roseville, California at the Blue Line Arts Gallery on Saturday. My piece, "The Most Interesting Jackalope in the World," was selected for this prestigious international ceramic art show, and I've really been looking forward to it.

Unfortunately, there's been a hitch.

I had to ship my piece FedEx. And, during the wrapping process, they broke it. My bad shipping karma seems to be perfectly intact. In speaking with the gallery (who have been fantastic about communicating and sending pictures, even though they're in the middle of trying to set up a show), they let me know that in spite of all my requests at to how this piece was to be packed, all those requests were ignored. The reason I had them wrap it is because if something like this happened, they'd be responsible. I also insured it, though now I'm told the amount for which it was insured is not what they'll cover. Of course, I beg to differ, since nno one told me that at the time I insured the piece. I will fight them tooth and nail on this.

 I am hoping the gallery will be able to repair it. The reality is, though, that even if they can, no one will buy a piece that's had this kind of damage. 

The crushing disappointment, of course, is the opportunity lost. This show only happens once a year, is juried, and there's no guarantee I'll be chosen next year. I felt like crying all day.

Fortunately, no day which starts off with bad news is a complete waste. I got the good news that I've been accepted to Scare LA, and will probably teach some kind of class while I'm there. (Not sure what, as of yet!) I'm looking forward to this new show, and started on the new crop of jacks yesterday. I'll pop into the studio and get some more stuff done today, as well. I've got some ideas for some new things, plus some re-vamping of old things.
Onward!

It's Been Good, So Far

It's been a good week, so far. I got my iTunes fixed, at last (only took six days, and really, "fixed" means, "I am about as done as I can be right now!") and updated my iPod for the first time since I got this laptop, a year or two ago. Yay!

I got my artist agreement for Halloween and Vine sent off, along with the check for the space. I also got my application sent in for Holiday N Vine, a new show run by the same folks as Halloween and Vine. (Fingers crossed!) I sent in my application to Scare LA, and received an almost immediate reply back from David Markland that he was happy I'd applied for the show. He even called me "legendary," which was an ego boost I really needed! (I told Mr. ShellHawk that he should avert his eyes and genuflect when speaking to me from now on, due to my "legendary" status. All I got was an eye roll.)

The best news of all, though, was the acceptance letter that came in the mail from America's ClayFest. I had applied last year, but was not accepted, so when the acceptance came, it felt like a triumph!

My entry, "The Most Interesting Jackalope in the World."
At last, a juror "got it." :)

Now, of course, I'm freaking out a little. I am limited in the amount of time I can spend in the studio, because I'm only out of my latest surgery for two weeks, today, and I have the possibility of three separate shows for which to prep! If I get into Scare LA, that will be two days of selling and simultaneously hoping I get cleaned out and that I don't get cleaned out, because after that will be Halloween and Vine, and I definitely will do well at that show!

Eek!

But I always stress myself out, and somehow, everything gets done and turns out for the best. I sometimes have to rope a few folks in to help out, but it gets done! (Thank God for great friends!)

Ah, well. Off to see what I can do in the studio!