Our Tiny Friends and Foes
A community fiber art project to be exhibited in the Playhouse Gallery, DEC 17, 2010 - FEB 6, 2011. Opening reception will be FRI, DEC 17, 5:30-7:30 PM.
Since the invention of the microscope artists have been inspired by the beauty of life at the cellular level. Microorganisms live in our bodies, our food and all around us. We need some to survive; others we do better without. This show creates an opportunity to explore the beauty of natural forms not visible to the naked eye, how we imagine microorganisms, and how we fit into the whole spectrum of life. This will be concurrent with the show, "Handmade Meaning: The Value of Craft in Victorian and Contemporary Culture," in the Watrous Gallery of the Overture Center. Building on the themes of that show, "Our Tiny Friends and Foes" will be a celebration of the social aspects of fiber arts as embodied in the traditions of quilting bees, knitting circles and the modern resurgence of community crafting.
Guidelines for Artists
- Submissions will not be returned to the artists. All will become a permanent part of the larger artwork. Artists will be credited in a list but individual pieces will not be labeled.
-We're looking for 2-D and low relief representations of microorganisms and other cells, made in the fiber media of your choice. These will be assembled with other pieces onto large, flat panels that will be hung on the walls of the Playhouse Gallery.
-It will be helpful if the microorganisms’ back sides are approximately flat, since these will be attached to the panels and not visible.
-Pieces should be no bigger than 3 feet across, and can be generally inspired by cell structures or a literal representation of specific microorganisms.
- All fiber arts techniques are acceptable, including but not limited to crocheting, knitting, weaving, felting, applique, embroidery, patchwork, quilting, tatting, macrame, dyeing, rug-hooking, and lacemaking.
- Works can be the product of a single individual or a group effort. If you are mailing in a piece that is the work of several individuals, please enclose a note listing their names so they can be credited on the show’s artist list.
- It is our intention to use all pieces submitted but the curators reserve the right to edit the overall composition in keeping with the guidelines above.
Going Viral
Events will be held around the state in preparation for this group installation. If you would like to attend one of these, check the Facebook pages for updates on times and locations. If you do not use Facebook, e-mail a request for information to madisoncommunityartproject@gmail.com.
If you would like to host a fiber-arts event in conjunction with this project, or incorporate the project into activities of a group that already meets regularly, please review the guidelines above and notify us of the time and location so that it can be broadcast through the website to others who may want to attend.
If you want to participate, please send an e-mail to madisoncommunityartproject@gmail.com and join the Facebook group, "Our Tiny Friends and Foes.” The Facebook page will be updated regularly with images and information about future events.