Prize ribbons make everyone happy. Honorable Mentions make everyone feel above average, but not exceptionally great. For those who will never be number one, or two, or three, Honorable Mentions are like consolation tokens for work that was well done, but not dazzling.
Soon, Erica Freyberger (of Iceberger Gallery) and I will be launching our very special project in celebration of the Honorable Mention tradition. As life often reminds us in this competitive and cut-throat world, "Better luck next time!"