My First Art Show Experience

Pink Dreams

I learned about The Anonymous Art Show last year, but I’d just lost my job, so my mind wasn't in the right headspace. You'd think I had all the time in the world, but art wasn't a priority. So I set a reminder for 2025 — and sure enough, they were running it for a second year.

I prefer to make art without themes or prompts. I like to begin without a plan and let the painting unfold as I go.  The parameters were simple: an 8x8-inch canvas, and no series — meaning each piece couldn’t share the same technique, subject, or color palette.

No problemo! I can do that.

Hushed Haven

For inspiration, I looked at my previous artwork, and I decided on three key points. I’d recently fallen in love with pink, so I was hoping someone might want a piece for their daughter's bedroom. The second piece was all about a neutral, monochromatic palette — something that could blend into any decor. And for the third, I wanted lots of texture with a focal point that wasn’t drawn.

That last one didn’t sell.

It was The Skating Minister, painted in the 1790s — part of the public domain and not under any copyright laws. My cousin once sent me a card with that painting on it, and I’ve always found it fascinating.

Frozen Motion

I didn’t care if anything sold.

The experience, the exposure, and just having fun — that’s why I decided to do it. Plus, I still wasn't working, had found lots of time on my hands, and honestly...

I felt like it!

Little did I know my neck surgery would put me out of commission for four weeks. I had started all three pieces and managed to finish two just days before the surgery. Once I recovered, I had less than 15 days to finish the third. It sounds like a lot of time, but the to-do list had grown. That’s when I started to resent doing it at all!

What I realized during this process is something I already knew: I don’t like making art that has to look a certain way. I guess I pushed myself a bit anyway — just to see.

I do art for myself. And this felt almost like being commissioned to paint in a specific style. I’ve done commissions before, and they’re not my thing. I prefer to start a painting without knowing how it’s going to look until I reach the end.

If you know me, I think you’re nodding along.

The “anonymous” part of the art show was that none of the artists' names or painting titles were displayed — those were hidden on the back of each canvas. Each piece was identified only by a number. The artworks — over 200 entries! — were displayed row upon row at two locations here in Chilliwack, BC. There was a minimum bid for each piece, and if it sold, the artist received 50% of the sale. Lucky me — 2 out of 3 sold.

Will I do it again next year? I’m not sure. But I’m glad I gave it a shot.