I am always excited when an entry into an art show is juried into the show - I feel like a winner right then.  You know that the winners are at the whimsey of the judge, their taste, and their values - you could enter the same painting in several contests and depending on the judge, they would be accepted or rejected.  Last year I had a painting rejected from a local art show and accepted into a major national show. 

But, when you win any place in a show, it is just so exciting!  It's another validation of the quality of your work.  It is something that keeps challenging me to get better and better and explore new techniques because like everybody else, I like to win!  

However, winning is all about being pleased with your art, feeling that your art has made a connection with the people viewing it, and selling art is the most exciting aspect of this career!!