I'm Not An Artist, Right?

A look into my first appearance at a local art exhibit

My First Art Submission and Exhibition at The Harrison Center "Porch Party". May 2024

Last Friday, on May 3rd, 2024, the Harrison Center hosted their annual "Porch Party" kickoff, where my very first art exhibition took place. As I entered the center, eager to see the numerous pieces of art by local artists, I was surprised to find out that only a few were accepted for display, including mine. The walls were not overflowing with artwork as I expected, but rather

showcased a beautiful layout that embodied the spirit of connection through porch parties. The hallways were lined with booths of local shops and vendors selling Indy 500-themed merchandise, making me actually excited for the upcoming race (I had never even watched the race). When I got home, I proudly hung up the checkered flags that I received from the exhibition, serving as a reminder of this night.

Walking around the exhibit and admiring the works of other artists while knowing that my own art was also on display felt strange to me. I never considered myself an artist, but rather stumbled upon this creative outlet during a time of intense struggle. Alongside the challenging moments, I also experienced life’s beautiful surprises and made unforgettable memories with others. But wait... isn't that something we all do? Life is filled with ups and downs, and each person expresses themselves and their experiences in their own unique ways.

So, does this form of expression really define me to be an artist?

-M