As a loyal son of Glendale, Arizona, I’ve entered their annual juried art show whenever I’ve been able. I started in 1975, with two entries. My acrylic painting didn’t get in but my watercolor self-portrait did. And since then I’ve managed to get some acceptances in each of the five decades I’ve been entering. The best I’ve done is a second-place for sculpture/3D, in a show juried by Brady Roberts, then Curator of the Modern Art sector of the Phoenix Art Museum. The worst I’ve done is total rejection of three entries. Usually, as with this year, it’s in between, with both the Thrill of Acceptance and the Agony of Rejection.

So, dear readers and friends, if you don’t have anything better to do this Friday evening, and you’re in the neighborhood of Sahuaro Ranch Park in north Glendale, and you are willing to trade $25 for topflight hors d’oeuvres, wonderful soft music, white and red wine, and the best artwork Arizona has to offer–see you there!