Thursday, March 26, 2009

super-epic mega disappointment


Hey, remember that really huge and much needed opportunity that I was all kinds of excited about? Well, my dream of having a studio/retail space at Artist's Row in downtown Salem is 98% smushed. I applied and was not awarded a unit.

I can't say I'm not bitter. I'm totally upset that I did not get the spot. I was told that the reason I didn't get it was because I was applying by myself and the panel deemed the responsibility of having the space too much for one person. There were four units up for grabs and all four units went to the same four groups that had them last year. That is hard to swallow. I know I could have done an excellent job running the space and I'm frustrated that I was even given hope to apply if they disfavored solo operations and gave preference to returning artists.

I've been moping around for a couple of days since I got the news. I'm trying hard to figure out a new plan but I just keep mourning the loss of this perfect opportunity. The way I'm feeling is akin to being rejected from your first choice college and not having a second choice.

12 comments:

Michelle Engel Bencsko said...

ugh. Nothing I say will make you feel better, because I can understand that disappointment. But the adage "things happen for a reason" is true and someday (hopefully sooner than later) it will be apparent.

Liz Smith said...

Oh man I really feel for you, that is the worst!! I have felt the crush of hopes raised then unceremoniously dashed (email me sometime if you want to know what). A year out from the soul-crushing blow, yeah it still stings, HOWEVER I realize now all the things that happened in that year that would not have if I had gotten what I wanted. And that happens often enough that I've started to believe that the universe is taking care of things mostly. That when something I really want doesn't happen it is only because being tied to that thing would have made me unavailable for this better, more perfect thing. Also, sometimes the purpose is not to be found in the situation you really wanted, but in getting you to think outside the box, to light a spark that gets you moving down the path toward your right thing. Oh I hope this isn't annoying new age advice, because it really holds true for me and I hope for you too!

Kitty Vane said...

Oh poot, that sucks. :(
I really hope that this will be a "One door closes, another opens"-situations for you, and that the door that opens will be big and grand.
Hang in there, I'm sure things will look up soon.

Christine said...

On a happier note -- not being accepted has enabled you to create the second "Coolest Cloud Ever" I love her :o)

melroska said...

aw, i'm totally bummed for you! but i'm sure another awesome opportunity will come up for you, just keep doing what you do, it's awesome!

idyll hands said...

What everyone else said... I have noticed, at least locally, that so many groups and communities of artists can be so cliquish. I can't get my foot in the door anywhere. My yarn and fiber is too colorful for the spinning/fiber groups that meet and my jewelry isn't "high end" enough for the jewelry crowd. Don't even get me started in trying to sell at local "handmade" shops. I have a day job and can't fulfill the "sitting at the register during the day time requirement" they have, so no luck there. I'm going to have to create a perfect world someday where you can have a studio, I can be in local crafting groups, and the crafting world will be at peace.

:)

Holly Bartos said...

So sorry to hear it didn't work out! But keep your chin up...it must've happened for a reason and perhaps there's a better opportunity in the future!

Sam said...

Bunny hugs are the answer I believe. Hang in there, someday you'll say "remember when I was so bumed about not getting that space I wanted?" and you'll be so far away from the pain it won't hurt at all.

Justin Snow said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
O'Reilly Ink said...

Wow, I'm really sorry. I would feel the same way, especially since the same people got them. That's never fair. Hang in there, I know it sucks. :(

Polygnome said...

Ugh. That totally sucks. I am not going to say anything encouraging because if I were you, I would only want to hear my bitterness be validated. So... Yeah! Be bitter! They're stupid!

/: Sorry

Angela said...

I'm sorry that you did not get in. On the upside, I was SO EXCITED to see you on Design is Mine! I love that new print of yours.

Hope things look up!