I've always preferred quiet collectorship rather than ballyhoo or peer acceptance. In favor of juried exhibitions and contests it can be said that more people see the work in a favorable light, especially the winner's work. In some countries awards and prizes can be an important propellant to a career, a stepping-stone to getting noticed. Furthermore, it's a kind of imposed discipline that some artists love. It's another kind of approval, a somewhat public stroking, and there's no question that it's lovely to be honored by your competitors.
Rejection is a basic principle of life.
Like it or not, Creative Darwinism is with us. Contests are one of the tools that may help a star rise in the firmament. Just don't let contesting get to you. If you know of someone whom you feel might get value from this email please forward it to them. Copyright 2000 Robert Genn.