Being juried into a show I dreamed about for decades felt like coming full circle. The festival, organized by the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary, has been included in Sunshine Artist Magazine’s “Best 200 Shows in America,” draws an estimated 6,500–8,000 collectors and visitors over the two-day event, and this year hosted over 100 artists. But there was a sweet surprise I didn't see coming. I was awarded 2nd place in three-dimensional art, competing with juried artists from across the country in a category spanning ceramics, metal, and mixed media. There's a cash prize, and I won't need to jury in again next year. But honestly, what moved me most was simpler than any of that.

The people.