Before I opened it I recognized the letter and knew its content. Why? Because it’s the same form letter I’ve seen so many times before.
Dear Hyatt, I want to thank you for your time and consideration taken in submitting your artwork to the Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach. We received numerous applications but unfortunately your artwork was not chosen to exhibit in the 2018 Festival. I wish you continued success in your artistic endeavors, blah, blah, blah . . .
My three oil entries, next to some fine mosaic works.
“Numerous applications” is an understatement. As I was to learn, there were 198 applicants vying for just 28 slots. That means I was one of 170 to receive that letter! Bad news for so many.
I must say there was a lot of good art on display. Every applicant had three pieces, or more if entering multiple categories. So there had to be at least 600 works of art on the grounds: paintings, photography, printmaking, sculpture, jewelry and more. One could almost pity the judges!
My assistant, Anne, about to remove my mixed media pieces. (Next summer I’ll be her assistant again, and happy to be.)
I wanted to get a picture of the grounds to show the array, but it was spread out in various locations and by the time we returned most had already been removed.
This blog, then, is a reporting back after the last one, when I was heading in, full of hopes and optimism. That hope is gone, but the optimism remains. My work is the same, my guidance is clear: For this summer, “not there.”
“The race,” as I note in my It’s About Life book, “is not to the swift . . . time and chance happens to us all.”
Life goes on.
Next Events
I’ll be the featured artist next month at the Sandstone Gallery in Laguna Beach; opening reception February 1, 6:00 p.m.
Anne and I will be the featured as visual artists with the Dana Point Symphony. The concert is February 2, 7:30 at Saint Edwards church. Tickets available online. The art reception follows.
Next month at the Hilton Conquistador Resort outside of Tucson I’ll be doing another multi-day “public painting.”
Currently working on an ambitious commission, The Beatitudes, on eight canvases, for a friend’s church in Anchorage. I’ll doubtless feature that here one day. “Blessed are the meek . . . ”
New Venue
As of today I’m in a new venue in San Juan Capistrano. Wildfire is a beautiful western wear and accessories store. Just one of my works is there, but “western” is one of my genres, so we’ll see what happens.
The painting: “Cool in the Sun,” oil, 31″x45.”
4:19 pm
Congratulations on the “Next Events” and “New Venue!” More ways to expand your fan base.
4:36 pm
It makes no sense whatsoever. I’m mad for you because I know you aren’t. Really, I don’t understand.
5:27 pm
Your persistence is inspiring. Your vulnerability too. Thank you for sharing your life – good news and bad news alike. Both are so good for us to be a part of… you are a real person with real life events to deal with. You exhibit such good sportsmanship. That in itself is beauty. (I don’t think Van Gogh would have been chosen at the art festival of his time either.) Anyway, I am sorry to hear the disappointment, but I join Paul to congratulate you for your “next events” and the lasting influences of your art.
5:50 pm
I really admire your work and have for many years. God has other plans for you. It seems each time the FOA rejects you, opportunities flow in to inspire and fill the house of God with your beautiful paintings. Keep doing what you’re doing, because it’s important work.
I would like to see your art work at the La Quinta Art Festival one of these years. It’s a lovely venue for art and fun for the artists.
5:51 pm
Congratulations on the Wildfire venue, Hyatt! My Alison has her jewelry there currently. The festival simply doesn’t realize who they’ve passed up this time around. That said, it only hints at other roads God will send you down, most likely with greater profound, richer meaning, and increased joy. You’ll look back at the end of the summer with, “Ah, now I get it!”
6:25 pm
Something has to keep us humble.
6:40 pm
Amen.
6:28 pm
I’m sorry Hyatt. It is such a “crap shoot.” I’ve never entered, but I know many who have been in, many who have not, and many who have gotten in after many tries. I’m so glad you are so talented and have many other avenues to share your artwork and your big heart.
6:46 pm
I guess artwork either resonates with the viewer or not…but I just can’t see how your beautiful work could not make the cut. I am disappointed for you, but it certainly doesn’t change the fact that many, many people “get it” (your work that is).
Congratulations on producing volumes of awesome work for all of us to enjoy.
God bless you.
Susan Morrison
8:06 pm
I guess we get the same mail!
Uplifting.
Dominique
10:00 pm
Dominique, you should have got in!
8:52 pm
Hyatt, Your work is wonderful and meant for other venues where you engage and tell stories and bless those around you. I’m looking forward to what God has in store for you in 2018. Let’s do lunch soon!
9:46 pm
As I said before; it’s about the Juror and not so much about the art work. Sometimes it clicks and sometimes not.
Always a mystery to Michael and me when he enters and is rejected and then when he IS the Juror, others wonder why he chose what he did.
When are you coming to Oregon? Our weather is getting wet and more “winterized.” Just the kind for painting indoors!
We want to show you the Yaquina Traveling Exhibit of now 48 paintings completed by Michael of the Watershed over a 35 year period of time which is progressing and much closer to moving out for 2 years. We have a nifty Video too!
Blessings to you both,
Judy and Michael
4:56 am
Hyatt,
In reviewing others comments, I’m envious of your friendship list. I’m realizing your friends and those commenting here are stellar people with observations and eloquence i admire and envy. I, too, think it’s the juror, not the talent being reviewed, that matters at judged venues. Your work always amazes me, as does your positive energy and continuing endeavors to “mix it up” so to speak.
Hello to Anne and love to Alison,
Marty
8:00 am
Thanks for your vulnerability Hyatt, it helps me stay on the journey…. our best to guys from NC!
9:45 am
I always thought your Western work was very appealing. This horse is excellent.
10:43 am
So should you!!!!!!
I admire your tenacity and faith!
1:58 pm
Hyatt, Just want to say thank you for being so open about this disappointing outcome. Your example helps me when things don’t go My way. Like you said, one door closes, another greater one opens.
Love, Love, Love “Cool in the Sun.”
3:58 pm
The grandmother of one of McKenna’s riding friends works at Wildfire. I love that store and they are blessed to have one of your paintings! Of course I love the horse, but that’s not surprising:). San Juan Capistrano has its own Hyatt Moore art show- who needs Laguna!
4:17 pm
Wow. I’m upset! I think those judges are idiots. Sorry I know that’s strong but no that’s just ridiculous…. I know you have a great attitude about it and I know God has something else in mind for you but …. well … I can’t believe it!
5:35 pm
Ginney, Thanks. But we’ll go easy on the judges. They’re selecting among all the media, including photography, sculpture, jewelry and more. That means of the 28 slots only a fraction went to paintings at all . . . and there were so many. I’m over it and onto other things. But thanks.
5:29 pm
Hyatt,
You know how judging of art happens, in the blink of an eye and what jumps out the most gets the prize.
There must be hundreds of us who think your art pieces are top quality, best of show pieces, created from your heart and soul, from your love of God and humanity.
Keep your beautiful creations coming. They stand on their own in their beauty and don’t need judgmental labels.
Jane
11:37 am
Perfect
9:54 am
Hyatt you’re amazing simply put. Amazing teacher I might add. Where are you showing the Wildfire collection in San Juan? We want to come check it out.
10:33 am
I agree with Ginney!
Whoever judged your work must have had a bad hairdo that day.
Your art is so unique and accomplished and admired by so many people. The judges really missed out.
I know you will keep painting and use the special talent God gave you.
Ursula
11:36 am
Looking forward to seeing the reveal of the beatitudes. I assume that’s for Pastor Kent and MCA church in Anchorage? Blessings.
5:32 pm
Yipeee my fav painting ( “national show horse”) is at Wildfire.
Your my hero Hyatt. Robyn
10:18 pm
Oh wow! Since my eye for your art is untrained ……..and I so much admire it all…….all your “trained” buddies make me feel so “with it!” Having so many of our missionary colleagues now in Anchorage (from our time in AK with SEND), I would like to alert any of them who may be acquainted with the host church for your beatitudes……not to be a “name dropper,” but a personal connection always seems to stir an added interest.
So proud of you……sounds like the Lord has already loaded your schedule.
6:30 am
When people do house and garden tours they ask the owners to please leave and not be at the house, the comments by the visitors should never be heard by the owners! I am glad for two things, Anne will have a capable assistant and you will not hear unpleasant comments about your work. As for the affirming comments, I am sure that your other showings will provide an overflowing cup… I am sure you won’t be thirsty…