This dream carries several layers of meaning and can be interpreted in various ways. Here are some insights to consider:

1. Recognition and Validation: Seeing your artwork featured in a prominent publication like the Wall Street Journal suggests a desire for recognition in your creative endeavors. It might indicate that you are longing for validation of your artistic talents or achievements that you feel have been overlooked in the past.
2. Reflection on the Past: The artwork is from your college days, symbolizing a time when you were exploring your identity and creativity. This could imply that you are reflecting on your past experiences and contemplating how they have shaped who you are today.
3. Themes of Change: The artwork's themes of change and feeling stuck resonate deeply. This might reflect your current life situation, where you may feel a sense of stagnation or are in a transitional phase. The dream suggests that you are ready to embrace change and move forward, much like the message in your artwork.
4. Support from Friends: Sharing this news with your childhood best friend highlights the importance of community and support in your life. It represents your desire to uplift and inspire others, as well as the joy of celebrating achievements together.
5. Humor and Self-Reflection: Your joke about a "slow news day" indicates a lighthearted approach to your accomplishments. This might suggest that you need to take yourself less seriously or that you are surprised by your own achievements and how they may be perceived by others.

Overall, this dream encourages you to explore your creative side, embrace change, and acknowledge your past while considering how it can inform your future. It may be beneficial to reconnect with your artistic passions and seek opportunities for expression and recognition.