Sheila M. Evans

A crazy good week just happened, and here’s why.

First and second, I have been accepted to two great art fairs: one ” old” favorite and one new to me. Art in the High Desert (Bend, Oregon) invited me to bring my pastels and oils for the third year in a row. This is an amazing, exclusive, high-quality show and I am thrilled to once again take part. Then I found out my pastels and oils and I would travel to Salem, Oregon for the Salem Art Fair and Festival for the first time this July. The new director received rave reviews for her transformation of this show to a top-notch, artist friendly venue. The list of 2011 artists boasts names you might see at shows like Cherry Creek and Sausalito. I can’t wait! (Check out my summer schedule to date on my Art Fairs 2011 page here.)

Third, and very exciting for me, I received a major commission from Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, Washington. Honestly, it has been so long since I submitted work for this project, I had completely forgotten about it! Then out of the blue appeared an email saying I made the final round. A week ago today came the good news: Providence wants a large-scale oil painting (3′ x 4′) based on my earlier oil, Ascension, pictured above. I’m already well into it—the painting ships in early May, rolled, no less! Fast turnaround for an oil painting, especially one that needs to be dry, but I’ll make it.

Not too shabby for one Thursday-to-Thursday week. I remember saying not too long ago that I could really use some good news. Well, there you have it.

Bellevue Arts Museum artsfair: It’s on!

First things first: I am more thrilled than ever to announce that I made it into the Bellevue Arts Museum artsfair once again this year. And I only got in with pastels. Why so thrilled? Let’s just say it’s been an interesting year in jurying. And it’s barely begun.

Me vs. The Jury: The Paranoia

As you might know, I was rejected from Cherry Creek again this year. I also re-applied to Art on the Square in Belleville, Illinois. I did that show last year and loved it, but alas, no joy this time around. So by the time Bellevue, my go-to show, announced jury results, I was shaking in my boots. Of course, Cherry Creek and Belleville are longshot shows—small, top-rated, highly competitive. Getting in once is no guarantee of getting in again, ever.* I’ve consistently juried in to Bellevue, but even so, those rejections had me worried. Did I choose the right images? Would the jurors, who appeared to be experts in fine craft more than 2D art, appreciate my pastels?

Art Fairs vs. Artists: The Dilemma

So yeah, I got lucky and made it into Bellevue. But here’s the thing: not every artist did. Read more

Ready to kick off the art show season? I know I am. Luckily, Mead’s Eye 4 Art is this Saturday!

The show and sale, founded by Harold Balazs, benefits the Mead Education Foundation. This year Eye for Art will feature 34 wonderful professional artists, including Harold himself. The show runs from noon to 5pm at Mead High School in Spokane. Cost is $10 per person or $25 per family at the door, and there will be live music and hors d’oeuvres.

I’ve created some fun pieces just for the event, including Nishikigoi 1, left. Don’t miss it!

Eye for Art
Mead High School
302 W Hastings Rd
Spokane, Washington
March 5, 2011, Noon to 5 p.m.
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