Oops!

Ordinarily, State Fairs don't have excellent reputations for professional quality artwork. I've found too many "fine artists" who snicker at the idea of entering such events. Even some serious textile people look down their noses. Yet, here in South Carolina, we have a very large, juried art exhibition every year. The total in prizes is $29,750. Annually, between $15,000 and $25,000 additional dollars are spent as "patron's purchase awards"...basically, people pledge to spend a certain amount before even seeing the selected work. These folks are invited on a preview day...in order of the amount pledged...to buy before the show opens. There is no entry fee. There are two divisions: professional and amateur. Best of Show is awarded $6,500. The State Fairgrounds are about two miles from my house...and about one mile from my studio. My work falls into the "open media" category. I enter as a professional. I've won first place in the division twice. So, I'd be an IDIOT not to enter. Entry is an on-line application (though there is a seriously more complicated way to do it in person). So, about a week ago, I clicked over to the website and filled in the required spaces. Everything about the rules and regulations were quite clear; I've done this before; there is a big, bold message warning that once an entry is send, it's final. I opted to submit my altered book American Dream and In Box XXXVI. I clicked "send". By the next day, there was a confirmation message among my email. I printed it. I noticed the "drop off dates" (which were perfectly obvious when I entered). I flipped my appointment book to September Sept. 23-25 and penciled in a reminder. Something caught my eye....big red letters on Saturday, September 29. It read, "PICK UP AT FRANCIS MARION". Oops! In Box XXXVI is at Francis Marion. It cannot be retrieved earlier! It cannot be delivered to the State Fair on the required days. There was only one solutions....it is pictured here....a "new" In Box XXXVI (aka In Box XXXIX)!