This is usually about the time when I write a post about another blue ribbon at the NM State Fair Creative Arts Jewelry Competition. I did get the blue ribbon, but I’m sad to say that this will be the last one. 2023 was my last entry in the competition.
Why I Won’t Enter Again
First: I have received 8 blue ribbons in a row, every year since my first entry in 2015. That’s enough. I think I’ve adequately demonstrated that I’m pretty good at making this style of jewelry. I’ve also realized that without more competition, I’ll probably keep getting them, whether by merit (which is cool) or by default (which is not cool).
One of my reasons for entering all these years was to show people unfamiliar with chainmaille jewelry just how beautiful it can be. The number of entries and visitors seems to be going down every year, with this year fewer than half the entries as when I first entered in 2015. I don’t think this reason is valid any longer. It certainly hasn’t turned into any sales or even any additional visits to this site or my Etsy shop.
Second: I don’t think the folks in charge actually respect my entries or the work that goes into them. I definitely put a lot of work into creating the new designs and into making the jewelry entries. This year’s entry, for example, took several days to create, with many hours just figuring out the design details. I was quite proud of how it came out.
Perhaps it’s too much to ask, but I expected that the bracelet would have been displayed more attractively. Instead, the bracelet in the display looked like someone just tossed it indifferently into the case. It was even partially covered up by the label. This isn’t the first time my pieces were shown in this manner, and I was somewhat offended.
What I Might Do Instead
The State Fair does have a Fine Arts Competition, and there is a jewelry category. I’ll think about entering there instead. On the other hand, there is no category for chainmaille. The Creative Arts Jewelry Competition does have a chainmaille category, which is why I entered there. Also, the competition only allows professional entries.
With no subcategories, I would be competing against all types of jewelers, and they are all professionals. New Mexico has a lot of really top-notch jewelers who create amazing and beautiful pieces. My chances of getting a ribbon, or even an honorable mention, seems pretty low.
Maybe it doesn’t matter. All items in the competition must be for sale, and people can buy them at the competition facility during the fair, so that’s nice. The Fair organizers take a 25% commission, but I can live with that. It would be interesting to see whether my pieces would sell. Also, entering in this competition would satisfy two of my main reasons for entering: encouraging new designs and raising awareness for the jewelry style.
Bottom Line
So, I haven’t decided yet if I will enter the Fine Arts Competition for 2024. Whether or not I enter, I have decided not to enter the Creative Arts Competition again. It was fun, but I’m done.