Validate. It can mean affirm, authenticate, recognize.... The drawing below, charcoal and pastel on pastelboard, is on view at the Dougherty Cultural Arts Center in Austin, TX thru February 22nd, 2012. This group show is the Austin Visual Arts Association 35th Anniversary Exhibit. The curator, Jack White, told me he thought my piece was the strongest in the show. I was astonished. (Astonish -- the word derives from the Latin word attonare, which means "to strike with lightning.") When he told me, I said, "The strongest drawing, you mean?" He replied firmly, "No, I said the strongest piece." I respect Jack highly. These words meant more to me than a sale would. In our culture, the ultimate validation is someone buying your work. I say, no. The highest validation is praise from another artist whom you respect. Thank you Jack! You made my month!