In Response to a Call: My First Exhibition

In late 2024, there was a call for artists to display their works in support of a city sponsored event in Carrollton, Texas. The event was one of many put on during the holiday season—November and December. After lengthy deliberation, I finally responded and sent a sample of my work.

I deliberated about submitting a response because I was unsure of the quality of my work. Okay, I had doubts as to whether others would like or even appreciate my efforts. I began sketching, painting, and drawing in 2013 with illustrations. My interests broadened quickly, and I soon found myself enjoying time at the easel as much as time at the writer’s desk. Unlike many others I have come to know, I seldom use reference pictures—I tend to create original works or recreate from images committed to memory. In 2024, I had been working on my artistry for approximately eleven years.

I had no idea of the number of pieces I produced during those eleven years. In looking back, I could see improvement had taken place, yet I was still somewhat insecure. I had given a number of pieces to friends and family members for gifts, and I maintained an Etsy site, where three of my works were sold in support of the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas. Comments from recipients and purchasers alike were positive, as well as encouraging. Still, there was hesitation on my part to really go public.

The holiday season went by, and there was no response to my inquiry. I assumed there was no interest on behalf of the city in displaying my work. A few months went by, and in spring 2025, I was about to contact the individual who had sent out the call for works from local artists. Much to my surprise, an email message appeared. The message contained an apology for the lag in response time, for my inquiry had landed in the sender’s junk folder. Better still, there was an invitation for me to exhibit my works at the Rosemeade Recreation Center in Carrollton, Texas.

My works were displayed throughout the month of June 2025.