Golden Hour on the Tidal Flats — Preparing for the Exhibition After an Open Call Selection

Golden Hour on the Tidal Flats — Preparing for the Exhibition After an Open Call Selection

An open call is a powerful opportunity for artists. It's a process in which galleries, institutions, or curators invite artists to submit their work for consideration. While open to all, only a select number of pieces are accepted through a juried review—and those chosen earn the opportunity to exhibit. Sometimes it leads to a solo show, sometimes a group exhibition. There may be awards, recognition, and new connections.
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Participating in open calls regularly helps artists grow their careers, strengthen their portfolios, and refine their voices. I, too, have submitted my work to various open calls over the years. Being accepted not only opens doors to new exhibitions but also allows me to experience other artists’ work, reflect on my own progress, and understand where I stand within the broader creative community.

The Power of Open Calls in an Artist's Journey​

I’m grateful that one of my recent works, “Golden Hour on the Tidal Flats,” has been accepted into the Nature’s Palette exhibition, juried by the esteemed artist Charles Wildbank.
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This watercolor captures the stillness of a tidal flat at golden hour—soft light reflecting on shallow water, wind turbines standing quietly in the distance, and tiny human figures almost melting into the landscape.
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It’s a meditation on the balance between stillness and movement, humanity and nature, light and shadow.
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Every time I’m part of an exhibition through an open call, it becomes an opportunity not only to share my work, but also to reconnect—with others, and with my own artistic intention.

​This painting holds special meaning for me because it was inspired by a student’s artwork created during one of my art classes. As a teacher and an artist, I often find myself deeply moved by the creativity and sincerity of my students’ expressions. In this particular case, the student’s piece sparked something in me—a moment of recognition, a kind of silent dialogue between their vision and my own. I felt compelled to explore it further in my own way. As a result, I created two versions of this painting, each one reflecting a different emotional nuance I felt during the process. The act of reinterpreting the same scene twice allowed me to dive deeper into the inspiration and gave me space to reflect on the shared journey between teacher and student. It’s not just a painting; it’s a quiet tribute to the powerful exchange that happens in the classroom and a reminder of why I continue to teach and create.

​Although the two paintings are slightly different in expression, they are essentially versions of the same subject—born from the same inspiration. One of them is currently on view at the Port Jefferson Gallery as part of the Visions in Color exhibition, while the other has been selected through an open call to be exhibited at the Mills Pond Gallery for the Nature’s Palette show. The fact that these two works, created from the same seed of inspiration, will be presented simultaneously in different venues is deeply meaningful to me.
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It’s almost as if the original spark that moved me to paint has taken on a life of its own, branching into two paths—each shaped by its own mood, color palette, and emotional resonance. To witness these parallel expressions reaching different audiences at the same time is a rare and personal moment for me as both a teacher and an artist. It reflects not only the creative journey behind the works but also the shared influence between student and teacher, and the unexpected ways in which inspiration continues to grow.

Artist Myungja Anna Koh shares the journey of preparing her watercolor piece “Golden Hour on the Tidal Flats” for an exhibition after open call selection.

The Importance of Artist Receptions

The artist reception, often held during an exhibition’s opening, is more than a formality—it’s a vital part of the creative process. It’s a moment to share the story behind the artwork, to meet other artists and curators, and to potentially sell one’s work or build lasting professional connections.

It is also where art steps out of the studio and into public conversation.
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For artists trying to establish or expand their presence within a community, these events are crucial. You never know who you might meet—someone who connects with your work, supports your practice, or opens a new door.

Beyond the Brush: Preparing for the Exhibition

Once your piece is accepted, there is a lot more to do. Each gallery has its own guidelines for:

• Framing
• Wiring for hanging
• Artist statements
• Wall labels or title cards
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It’s important to read the gallery’s instructions carefully and prepare everything precisely.
Sometimes, this work feels more demanding than painting itself—especially for visual artists who are used to expressing through images rather than formatted documents and logistics.
And yet, I find joy in this process.
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To me, preparing a piece for exhibition is like dressing it in its finest attire for a debutante ball. It’s a moment when my painting steps forward, ready to meet the world.

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I’m thankful that this painting was selected, and that it now has the chance to be seen, experienced, and perhaps even remembered.
Every exhibition is an act of sharing, and every preparation is a quiet offering.
As I continue on this path, I remain grateful for each opportunity, each viewer, and each connection made through art.
Thank you for walking with me.