I’m torn on this one.
I have parents who write professionally, and friends and family who are actors, musicians and artists (again professional). I have not read all of my parents’ books or been to all of their book launches. And there are many shows, concerts and exhibitions I’ve missed.
Sometimes, it’s life that gets in the way, but sometimes too it’s that, actually, the subject matter or something else is just not my thing. I’m thrilled that they are having success - that all that hard work and dedication has paid off, but… and I’m not alone. I know many partners and friends who haven’t read books, watched plays and films and such, or trekked across the country or Europe to exhibitions.
However, there is a certain joy to be celebrated in the achievement of an amateur. I too am an amateur. There’s a marvellous thrill when your bravery in letting it out into the world pays off and someone else says they like it. Well done, it’s a brilliant achievement!
That said, I’ve looked up your exhibition. If I am correct, yours is a postcard sized piece amongst quite a lot of other amateur postcards and bigger pieces. I can see that to many, no matter how thrilled they might be for you, a 5 hour round trip to see a postcard might seem a bit much.
I’ve read on here before debates about partners watching their loved ones run marathons and such. And there certainly is an argument that says one person’s heaven is another person’s hell.
Ultimately though, it should be about love and support. If your husband was thrilled for your success, if he had supported and championed your passion. If he had been encouraging you to submit your work, then possibly it wouldn’t matter as much if he didn’t want to attend the exhibition. But, from everything else you say, I rather suspect that he hasn’t been very supportive at all. And that’s what makes him completely out of order.
Take your daughter, she sounds like a great cheerleader! And try to enjoy your brilliant achievement.