Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Call for Participation: Inauguration: Acts of Resistance, Acts of Kindness




CALL FOR PARTICIPATION
Signs at First Presbyterian Church, Marshall, MI

The history of Susan Hensel Gallery is one of community-based events that tend toward political activism.  The gallery opened in the election year of 2004 with shows that dealt with electoral politics, the war in Iraq, dreams for peace.  I retired from gallery work several years ago to return to studio practice.

With the looming presidency of Donald Trump, I'm at it again.  I cannot remain quiet.  So, for one night only, I am planning a community event in the gallery/studio.  Would you like to be part of it?


I will re-open Susan Hensel Gallery for one night:

Inauguration: Acts of Resistance, Acts of Kindness
Jan 20, 2017
6-10 pm
Susan Hensel Gallery

An art exhibition with signmaking, button making, poetry reading, music and potluck in the "gallery" space.


It is planned to be a wide ranging evening, appropriate for many ages that will include the opportunity to exhibit protest art; make and take yard signs that support a more positive focus; make and take buttons to remind people to "remember another way" that does not include misogyny, xenophobia and bigotry and, of course, there will be food.

I'm in contact with surrounding art businesses, poets and musicians to see if they want to join in an evening of revelry, turning Cedar Ave into the place to be on Inauguration night.

So, what do you think?  Do you want to join me?

WHAT CAN YOU SHOW?
You are invited to show one or two pieces of art, wall art preferred, that speak to the current times.
IS THERE A JURY?
Most work will be shown. The only limitations are space in the gallery/studio and a requirement that work be non-violent in imagery.
ARE THERE FEES?
There are no fees of any kind.  Donations toward materials gratefully accepted (I have a budget of @ $300 for the sign making and button making materials.) Sales are allowed, but not necessarily expected.
WHEN AND HOW SHALL I DELIVER?
Please deliver art ready to hang on Wednesday, Jan 18-19, 3pm-7pm, If you are sending work from far away, I encourage you to send free stuff/mail art, things that do not need to be returned. It is only one night, afterall. Otherwise, send prepaid return shipping labels. 
HOW WILL THIS BE PROMOTED?
Robust social media, local and national press releases, Susan Hensel Gallery blog and website.

For promotional purposes, as soon as possible, send a large jpg (1920pixels on the long side) of representative work and any info that would help me write about you and your work to susanhensel@yahoo.com.

My goal is to begin to create pathways for positive resistance within our community. Art is my protest.  It is what I do and have always done. Join me if you wish.

Thanks for considering this idea!

Susan Hensel
Susan Hensel Gallery
3441 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55407
susanhensel@yahoo.com