Some photos from last night. Guess what’s hard work, preparing pieces for entry into a show. Curating a show. Designing an exhibit. Collecting donations from the community (and keeping a ledger). Planning, shopping for, preparing, delivering, maintaining, and cleaning up after reception food. Talking to people and sounding relaxed and mellow even when one has been running full-tilt for most of a week.
Still. It all came off beautifully. Of course, I couldn’t take many pictures last night as I had to “mingle”, cook and deliver and manage food, and hide, with Amber, to grab a half a clove cigarette now and then.
On the right you see part of our “fantasies” exhibit including a dressup and interactive hanging display. We’re encouraging grownups and kids alike to partake – this experience is augmented by a lovely poem by artist Lindy Parker that was read by a child on the audio tour.
Bread!
I made quiche. Delicious!
Hummus et al.
An installation: Robin Moore’s “Dream Wrecker”, which I can’t wait to show you closeups of. Her interview was a hoot, too!
Response to the show was quite positive! Including:
Gallery kitty! Who ran in and out. She was tiny and sweet. The kids loved her, and one of the artists kindly donated her a catnip toy.
One (of three) of my interactive embroidery pieces.
Phoenix’s piece. Again, the audio interview is fantastic.
Ralph helps a young lad do some interactive embroidery (on my piece “Strictly Ivy League. Big deal.”). These pieces will be changing during the show according to those who want to participate. Fun!
Barb Shillinger sets up one of her lovely handcrank machines as well as some projects for the young and old to work on. Sewing with a handcrank is a lot of fun! This particular machine is also a treadle, but for a few reasons we decided to do the handcrank conversion. Barb was a wonderful help.
Nels watches Gallery Kitty as she snoops her toy.
Catnip bird #w00t
Besides co-curators Jeanne and Ralph (who rocked), when it came to the reception a few parties came through in a big way including Tully’s Coffee and two local professional bakers – as well as my mom, who helped mule things from my little kitchen to the Gallery, and most especially my friend Amber. Unfortunately I haven’t rested since last Monday but soon I’ll be back to blogging.
As for the show, it is beautiful and I need to post more intimate detail shots of more of the pieces. We are putting together a photo and audio exhibit to post at the website, and soon. I’ll let you know.
If you’re a local, please do come to the show before it closes on July 3rd – and take the audio tour, which lasts about a half hour and is wonderful.
Just: great stuff.
Kelly, you did such an amazing job putting this all together. I’m so proud of you! I really hope I can get out West in time to see it in person.
Thank you Karen. I’m itching to take more intimate photos of each piece. It really was a stellar night, and the show is looking great!
You are such an amazing person firstly. Of course, I am super stoked to be a chick and mama knowing that such a rockin’ member of my gender and breederhood is out there putting this kind of thing together and just basically busting some serious ass to manifest this kind of beauty and positivity in the world.
I feel like shit and have had a hard week and am now being dragged on a long hike so I can’t write more – but just know that your hard work, dedication and cultivation of genuine human-ness does not go unnoticed by me.
It looks like an amazing event. I wish I did not live halfway across the country; I adore textile art. And I am sooooooo looking forward to seeing more.
Looks amazing! Will you share a pic of the interactive embroidery pieces after the show ends? Fascinating!!!
Makes me want to get there for sure. Wonder if I can swing it with the in-laws in town — think I could sell it as sightseeing?
looks really great Kelly, whish I could see it in real!
Life has been such a whirlwind for us since you posted these photographs and impressions, I’m just now getting a chance to write a bit myself.
Although I could only stay at the reception for little more than an hour, the reactions I noticed were enthusiastic and pleased.
For me, and perhaps for all, it was as if a menagerie had suddenly appeared in a tiny, unassuming house between three branches of highway and the guests arrived almost unexpectedly to find themselves among the most pleasant company with the sweetest food and drink to enjoy to their hearts’ content. The sun even shone the entire time. There were men, women, and a cat, three generations of family members, folks who spoke different languages, and all manner of diverse backgrounds and experiences represented.
We all drifted in and out of the house, admiring the artist’s work, devouring the food heart and soul, and giving thanks for the effort it took to bring it all together.