Hello world!

Welcome to my first blog. You know this is a little exciting, I have wanted to ‘blog’ for quite some time now. How do I blog? Do I soul search for my content, or, do I just ‘chat’ like I would to a friend. Hmmm, decisions decisions…

Here we go…

A friend from the Innisfail Art Society emailed me last night; she is concerned about an upcoming art competition for children under 12yrs. This competition in a few weeks time will be exhibited in the community gallery I manage. Although I normally coordinate all of the exhibitions in the space I am not the organiser of this particular exhibition/competition..
She says, “I have huge concerns about the ‘competitive nature’ in all of this, as there are educational policies to guard against such activities for children so young, who have not developed mentally, skilfully and spiritually enough, to be exploited by adults in such a way. I am not in support of the activity at all.”

I am a little surprised at the strength of her reaction but I understand the concerns. I also have reservations and am not in agreement with children selling art, (It’s usually secretly purchased by their parents anyway) I think it creates a false sense of achievement; the poor child is in for major disappointment when they next exhibit what they perceive to be their masterpieces. Or their mum and dad have an enormous and expensive collection of art that would have otherwise been on their walls for free. Kids should get enough of a thrill having their art hung in a gallery for all to see.

I have spoken at length with the coordinator and happily we have come to an agreement. So, in this exhibition none of the work is to be for sale. I have also asked the competition organiser/coordinator to please not have monetary prizes, to have vouchers for art stuff instead, she is happy to do that. Another hitch arises from ‘judging’ the art pieces. Art is so personal; it’s hard enough for adult artists to come to terms with the rejection of not being chosen as the best. Winners for this competition will be decided by pulling an entrants name out of a hat – every entrant has an equal chance of winning. There will however be a peoples choice award, votes by the viewing public will be counted – I believe the ages of the entrants will be posted next to the pieces.

If you have any comments or would like to ask questions please contact me by email.

So,

How was that for my first blog?

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