We know that a lot of people are frustrated with ArtFields based on some of the better quality art they have denied and the lesser quality art they have accepted. It’s easy to say that someone doesn’t know what they’re doing — which is entirely possible.

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind.

One, everything has a learning curve — let’s give the folks at ArtFields the benefit of the doubt that they are trying and learning from their mistakes and they will get better.

Second, some truly brilliant art has been accepted. (See Jim Arendt’s work above,for example.)

Third, participating allows for challenge; attending allows for inspiration.

Fourth, what other opportunities do our artists have for this kind of potential exposure and monetary take-home?

The bottom line is that we should support most any large-scale arts event in SC and work to be a part of making it into something that represents the arts in our state and that we can be proud of.

Here’s the info on entering:

ArtFields® Call for Submissions

Artist from across the 12 Southeastern states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia) are encouraged to submit artwork for the competition and their chance at a share of $100,000 in prizes. These life-changing prizes will be awarded as a Top Prize ($50,000), a Juried Panel Prize ($25,000), a People’s Choice two-dimensional ($12,500), a People’s Choice three-dimensional ($12,500) prize and ten $1,000 The Citizens Bank Merit Awards during ArtFields 2016. Emerging and established artists at all levels of recognition and education may submit one original 2-D or 3-D work or art. Artwork is submitted online to be reviewed by a jury of visual arts professionals. The jury will select 400 works of art to compete in Lake City for the prize money. Artists will be notified no later than January 4, 2016 of acceptance into ArtFields 2016.

For more information check out Artfields’ comprehensive website.