In about ten days, I need to submit my entry for the 2026 Albany Center Gallery Members’ Show. Each member is permitted to enter one artwork of his or her choosing, whether it’s a painting or a sculpture or a photography project or what have you.
And I’m still totally undecided as to what to enter this year.
Because I have four possible entries … four reasons for entering them … and four reasons not to enter them.
And I’ll surely flip-flop between one or the other or the other or the other all the way up to the submission deadline.
But for now … here’s what I’m looking at.
I could enter A CO Railfan’s Dream …
Reasons for entering – well, it’s won a ribbon in nearly every competition it’s graced. Two blues (Saratoga and the Big E), a third place (NYS Fair), and a second place silk (Altamont). Also was accepted as a finalist in the Capital District Photo Regionals.
Reason for not entering – is it really a good idea to over-expose this gem?
Then I thought of The Congregation of Carissima.
Reasons for entering – Among this photo’s successes were a ribbon at the Big E and an exhibition at the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts. I mean, it’s definitely a treasure, and a great example of my attempts at layered photography.
Reasons to not enter it – Is it truly representative of my artwork and skill as a whole?
Meanwhile, I’ve got The Three-Two Pitch coming back from Cincinnati right now.
Reason for entering – this was just named a “Finalist” in the Manifest Gallery show in Cincinnati. This treasure was just one or two votes away from the grand prize. And it’s also one of the few artworks in my catalog that has received an art gallery showing.
Reasons not to enter – should I really enter a print that I created ten years ago?
And finally, I have my fourth option, the image Cold Spring Harbor 3:16.
Reasons for entering – guys, this photo just oozes tranquility. It’s warm and it’s inviting and it’s just breathtaking. I have a feeling there are many ribbons for this image in its future.
Reasons for not entering – Would I just be entering this picture because it would be that image’s debut, rather than allowing three other photos one more drop of shine?
Yeah, I’m going to be flip-flopping and triple-guessing myself for the next few days.
That being said, if you think there’s one of these artworks that deserves a run at the Member’s Show, let me know in the comments below.
Ah, decisions, decisions, decisions …
I mean … thankfully … it’s a true bounty of decisions.
Cold Spring Harbor 3:16 – This one’s going places, starting now.
LikeLike