An Acceptance Speech

First, I just want to clear up any confusion. No, I didn’t win any awards. I didn’t reach my sales goals. I made mistakes and said weird things. I picked up a few new tender spots and bruises. An outside observer could easily assume that this weekend was a fail for me. So, why in the world would I write an acceptance speech?

Hear me out.

I’d like to thank the @artstudentsleagueofdenver for putting on a wonderful show. @Carol Hiller and her mighty crew run a thoughtful, organized event that takes good care of artists and art lovers alike. It feels really good to get to come back to participate in this show.

I’d like to thank the sweet neighbors, who not only put up with the invasion of their streets but go out of their way to make us all feel welcome and appreciated. You all are so kind.

I’d like to thank the dogs. Your random calf kisses and mid-show cuddle sessions made me feel cared for when I was feeling all peopled out.

I’d like to thank the kids. When I asked you what kind of art you liked to make, you didn’t get all embarrassed or flustered and insist you weren’t artists…you just blurted out “BUTTERFLIES.” Or “all the kinds, but mostly the blue ones.” You didn’t need fancy artist statements or years of training to answer and your replies inspired me and made me feel braver.

I’d like to thank the mortified parents of the kids who gave me their honest feedback. Thank you for not shutting them down or whisking them away. “I don’t like that one, it makes me feel worried” was a true compliment and “why did you spend all this time painting….THESE?” was a valid question and I’m still chuckling over the masterfully comedic delivery! I know it is more work for you all to bring the littles along, but I really loved engaging with them.

I’d like to thank all of the people who wandered into our tent and engaged with us and our work. Thank you for your misty eyes, goosebumps, guffaws and nods of understanding. Those gestures mean THE WORLD to us. Thank you for asking questions and telling us about your own stories and experiences (and for your restaurant recs, fashion hacks and art supply tips!). For those who found their pieces, thank you so much for giving them such loving homes and for making it possible for me to keep making more. I appreciate you so much.

I’d like to thank all of the previous collectors who came by to share the stories and pictures of my art that they’ve given homes to. Hearing your stories and seeing how well loved those pieces are brings me so much joy.

I’d like to thank my fellow artists (including one “creepy old white guy” in particular) for making me feel like my version of art belongs in the world and is worth sharing. Thank you for stopping by, delivering hugs and cheering us on. I love being on your team.

I’d like to thank my best booth buddy and dearest friend Julia Martin for carving out peace and beauty and gentleness with me. I’m so grateful to get to share moments of exquisite tenderness, snort-worthy phallic mishaps, and magical exploding candy with you. I love that I’ve been privy to your behind-the-scenes growth process and I feel so proud to see you really coming into your own as an artist and human. You are a force and an inspiration and I cannot wait to see where you go next.

I’d like to thank Team BerMarTin for being the best family pit crew of all time. You are so quick to jump in to help - whether it’s scaling ladders, schlepping sandbags, delivering tea, holding down the fort, or playing just the right singalong tunes - you build us up and help us break it all down better than anyone. You take your positions as the ones-who-know-us-best seriously and love us so well.

Finally, I’d like to thank my husband, for insisting that a late-night flashlight-lit excursion to my tent with just the two of us (and a couple of security guards) to retrieve forgotten items from my tent was exactly how you were hoping to spend your Saturday night. If that isn’t true love, I don’t know what is.

I feel so grateful to be where I am right now, doing what I’m doing, surrounded by all of you. That feels worthy of an acceptance speech to me.