AJR Short Stories

✨️Ryan - Open Call for Submissions

I woke up to the sound of my alarm blaring in my ears. Groaning, I reached over and shut it off, willing myself to get out of bed. Another day, another dollar, right? As I stumbled into the kitchen, my partner Ryan was already there, sipping his morning coffee.

"Morning, Ryan," I muttered, pouring myself a cup.

"Hey, sleepyhead," he replied with a quick kiss on the cheek. "Late night again?"

"Yeah, I had to finish that report for work," I said, taking a sip of the hot brew. "But it's finally done, thank goodness."

Ryan chuckled. "You always leave things to the last minute. Anyway, I've got some news for you."

I raised an eyebrow. "What's up?"

"Well, you know that gallery downtown? They're having an open call for submissions," Ryan said, excitement lacing his voice.

My eyes widened. "Are you serious? That's amazing! I've been waiting for an opportunity like this."

Ryan nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! So, I was thinking, why not gather your best pieces and give it a shot? You've got incredible talent."

I felt a mix of nerves and excitement bubbling inside me. "You really think I should?"

"Absolutely! You've got nothing to lose. And who knows, this could be your big break," Ryan encouraged.

I took a deep breath, determination replacing my initial hesitation. "Alright, I'm going for it. Thanks for pushing me, Ryan."

He smiled warmly. "That's what boyfriends are for. Now, let's get your work together. We've got a lot of sorting and organizing to do."

We spent the entire morning surrounded by canvases, sketches, and photographs, carefully selecting the pieces that showcased my best work. As we examined each creation, Ryan provided honest feedback and offered suggestions.

"This one," he said, pointing at a vibrant painting of a sunset, "it captures so much emotion. It's definitely a contender."

I nodded, feeling a surge of confidence. "You're right. It's one of my favorites, too."

We packed up the chosen artworks and headed downtown to the gallery. Upon arrival, we joined a small queue of artists, all clutching their own masterpieces.

"Are you nervous?" Ryan asked, peering at me with a mix of curiosity and concern.

I chuckled nervously. "Terrified, to be honest. But I'm also excited. This could be a turning point for me."

Ryan squeezed my shoulder reassuringly. "You've got this. Your talent deserves recognition."

As the line slowly moved forward, I mentally rehearsed my pitch, preparing myself to talk about my art with passion and confidence. Finally, it was my turn.

I stepped into the gallery, heart pounding. A panel of judges greeted me with warm smiles, and I displayed my artwork in the designated area. They examined each piece intently, occasionally jotting down notes.

One of the judges, a middle-aged man, turned to me. "Tell us about your creative process and what inspired these works."

I took a deep breath, feeling the excitement surge within me. "My art is a reflection of the emotions and experiences that shape me. Each brushstroke, each color choice, is a part of my story. I draw inspiration from the world around me, capturing moments of beauty and vulnerability. My goal is to connect with viewers on a deep, emotional level."

The judges listened attentively, their eyes fixed on me and my artwork. After what felt like an eternity, they finally finished their deliberations.

"We're impressed with your talent and the emotional depth in your work," one judge said, smiling. "You've been selected to be a part of the exhibition."

Ecstatic, I couldn't help but jump up and down in joy. "Thank you so much! I'm honored to be a part of the exhibition," I exclaimed.

Ryan, who had been waiting anxiously, joined in the celebration. "I knew you could do it! This is incredible!"

We left the gallery with a renewed sense of excitement and accomplishment. The following weeks were a whirlwind of preparations, from framing and labeling the artwork to attending meetings and promoting the upcoming exhibition. The anticipation was built as the opening day drew nearer.

Finally, the evening arrived. The gallery was filled with an eclectic mix of artists, art enthusiasts, and curious onlookers. I stood among my displayed creations, surrounded by people admiring my work and engaging in lively conversations.

An elderly woman approached me, her eyes gleaming with genuine appreciation. "Your artwork touched my heart. The way you captured the essence of human emotion is truly remarkable."

"Thank you so much." I thanked her, humbled by her kind words. Throughout the evening, I had the opportunity to connect with fellow artists, receive valuable feedback, and even sell a few pieces.

As the night winded down, I found myself reflecting on the journey that led me here. It was a culmination of passion, hard work, and the unwavering support from friends and my beloved Ryan.

This exhibition was more than just an opportunity; it was a validation of my talent and a stepping stone towards a future in the art world.

Days turned into weeks, and the exhibition concluded with resounding success. I received inquiries from galleries interested in showcasing my work, and commissions started pouring in. The experience had opened doors I never imagined, and I was grateful for every moment.

Ryan and I celebrated our achievements with a toast, reminiscing about the journey we had embarked on together. "You did it," he said, raising his glass. "And you'll continue to do amazing things. I'm proud to call you the love of my life."

I smiled, clinking my glass against his. "I couldn't have done it without you, Ryan. Thank you for pushing me to chase my dreams."

With newfound confidence and a burning passion, I knew that this was only the beginning of my artistic journey. As I continued to create, inspire, and touch hearts through my art, I carried the lessons learned from this experience, forever grateful for the opportunity that changed my life.

*-----------------------------------------------------------*

I'm thinking of writing one for Adam next, but I could really need some inspiration!

This one was a bit more focused on you, the reader, but I just had an idea I really wanted to make.

OMG, thank you for all the votes and 200 READS?!?! It means a lot to me :> 💕

Love you all, hug a friend, drink water, touch grass, AND remember to take care of yourself!

You are loved, and I hope you will have an amazing week!

Don't forget to vote 💖

-T ❤️