Robins have just returned to the neighborhood in the past week. On February 25th, I will be making birdseed doilies around trees of the Thornhill Branch of the St. Louis County Library. If the weather does not cooperate, I’ll be making take-home seed designs with the families that stop by to take part in the Family Fun: Feed the Birds activities in the library’s auditorium. I’ll get the use my Plan A for the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Garden Art Project from 2010.
Dove in doily created at the old apartment patio 2008.
Getting the first few works of a new approach out from under my belt. (Some work a little less ephemeral but still about fragility.) Happy so far, but may end up adding and altering as I live with them for a while. They are off to see what a stranger can read of them. An old standby will be sent with the newbies– I’m hoping the juror can see the thread throughout all three works.
My goals for the 2012- get at least five shows lined up for the future. At least 20 CD’s out to galleries and send at least 10 teaching applications to all area art organizations and institutions of higher learning. My new Y membership has been a great motivator- and a good reminder that motion begets motion!
I am getting prepared for another birdseed drawing install at Crossroads Art Studios in St. Charles. The work will be included in the St. Louis Women’s Caucus for Art – “Beyond the Stitch” Exhibition from September 8th – October 6th. Opening Reception Friday Sept. 9th at Crossroads Art Studios, 501 N. Kingshighway, St. Charles, MO 63301. Unfortunately, I will not be able to make the reception as of now, but I am looking forward to the show. According to the exhibition organizer, the juror, Hollis Chatelain, was very selective– so I am looking forward to a great show. It will be part of the Innovations in Textiles October 1 Outlaying Galleries Bus Tour. It is so exciting to be in a city with such a rich fibers tradition and community.
The St. Louis Women’s Caucus for Art had a really great ART & SOCIAL JUSTICE conference about a month ago— I missed out because of other obligations, but it is inspiring to see so much wonderful work in empowering others going on at their organization. From their website: “The WCA’s mission is to create community through art, education, and social activism. We recognize the important role that the arts play in all our lives and acknowledge the power of the arts to affect positive change. In this spirit, the conference is intended to be a venue in which to explore the role of the arts in promoting social justice and quality in our communities and around the globe. The conference is open to artist, activists, art historians, curators, community organizers, educators, arts administrators, students, and anyone interested in how art can change the world for the better.” Phenomenal- Thanks STL-WCA!
Earlier this afternoon I made paper punch artwork at Barnes Jewish Children’s Hospital. This project is a long time coming, I was scheduled to complete it last summer, but had to cancel due to the hospitalization with Bennett. In the meantime- the hospital has changed several guidelines to protect patients and I was unable to use birdseed due to new regulations with plant materials.
So Plan B- Shredded paper. But the pieces were too big from a cross-cut shredder unless the works were huge. I would need a micro-shredder and access to one (besides purchasing) would be a security concern for companies who use one. Paper punch size would be perfect, but too time consuming.
While in Omaha with family, the solution came to me. Plan C. Contact printers for their paper punch waste, and hope to gather enough for the session with the patients. I am really grateful to my parents for assisting in the acquisition. I would like to thank Sharon Reichwein at CopyCat, PIP Printing (a whole year from their hand-punch!), MinuteMan Press, Fed-Ex Office, and alphAGraphics, all near 114th and Dodge, for donating to the cause.
I was glad to give a few people a pleasant distraction from their day. Julie Gant, the art therapist, was a pleasure to work with and will continue to use the materials with patients.
Just got the fabulous news that my work will be included in a feature on transient art in Stylus, the London-based international news service for the design industries! I’m flattered writer Verity Magdalino is a fan of the work! Looking forward to the article.
Out- Four works from my Documents Upon Arrival series got shipped out for “Cartographic” in February at Gainesville State College‘s Roy C. Moore Art Gallery. (see others from the series at my etsy site Fixing the Flux .) Ongoing- Designing Easter Banners for St.Monica’s Catholic Church. Just in- An image request from Stylus magazine to be featured with an article on temporal work- I haven’t heard back yet on if and when they will be using my birdseed works, but the images have been emailed out.
Robins have just returned to the neighborhood in the past week. On February 25th, I will be making birdseed doilies around trees of the Thornhill Branch of the St. Louis County Library. If the weather does not cooperate, I’ll be making take-home seed designs with the families that stop by to take part in the Family Fun: Feed the Birds activities in the library’s auditorium. I’ll get the use my Plan A for the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Garden Art Project from 2010.
