Painting at Wegner Grotto with Monroe County History Museum

Two weeks ago, on Saturday, August 22, Monroe County History Museum hosted “Art Outdoors” to explore the fascinating environment of Wegner Grotto County Park and create art.  Participants painted plein air style postcard-size works of the sculptures from the Grotto.  This is the second year of this event. 

I was pleased and honored to win the first place prize in the professional adult artist catefory with this little postcard of the Bremen ocean liner mosaic, in pastel.

I feel so proud!  Here is a photo taken while I was painting. It was a great day.

Last year, I struggled over whether to consider myself amateur or professional. I chose professional. I based this on several things, but mostly these: 1) While painting there I saw all these parents bringing their kids to paint then saying "ah, what the heck - I suppose I could give it a try" and 2) I keep pushing myself to take my art endeavor more seriously... and calling myself professional, though somewhat symbolic, sure seemed to support that effort. So last year, I won 2nd place and was surprised and encouraged. This year I knew which box to check.