Navigating Art Fairs and Rejection: Learning from the “No” Without Losing Heart | #artrejection Ep. 045

In this episode, I talk about something every artist faces—rejection. Especially the kind that comes with applying to juried shows and art fairs, where it’s not just your work on the line, but your hopes and identity as an artist too.

I share stories from my own journey: applying to high-level fairs, getting waitlisted or declined, and what I’ve learned about processing those responses without spiraling. I talk about the power of observing with intention, reframing rejection as feedback, and even keeping a rejection log to track patterns and growth.

I also reflect on a recent experience with the Edmonds Art Festival—one of Washington State’s respected juried shows. I submitted four pieces and thought the jury would select the first three because they looked cohesive together. Instead, they chose the first two and the fourth, and I’m still trying to figure out why. Maybe it was the square formats of the first two, or maybe the fourth one just stood out. Even friends who saw them agreed the first three felt more connected.

It’s these 4 below—I'd love to hear which three you would have picked.

🎧 Tune in to hear the full story and explore how rejection doesn’t mean the end—it can be the beginning of understanding, growth, and finding the right fit.