PRINTDomestic bliss
Art exhibit renovates habitat style
July 19, 2007 | 12:00 a.m. CST
A collection of tiny paper clay animals, which are encased in glass boxes, sit on display in what used to be a container of culinary essentials. Now the recycled cabinet is a minature pet shop of figurines. Spare Parts Gallery co-owner Jessie Lawson’s inspiration for her symbolic kitchen creation, “Animal Shelter,” came from the basic need of housing for humans and their animal companions.The theme of housing is the basis for all of the artwork in Spare Part’s newest exhibit, “Gimme Shelter,” and the only prerequisite for entry.
“We often talk about the importance of housing and shelter,” Lawson says. “But the show will put those ideas and problems out there in visual form.”
What: “Gimme Shelter”
When: July 27 - Sept. 30
Where: Spare Parts Gallery
Cost: Free
Call: 442-4422
Jessie Lawson works on her piece for the upcoming “Gimme Shelter” exhibit. She says paper ...
- Do-it-yourself home art
- Gross anatomy’s masterpieces
- Creating lasting impressions
- Animals roam local artists' works
- Dreamscapes and fantasies
- Art pulls in
- Off the hook street art
- Carol LeBaron's "Endangered Species" exhibition
- Featured Artistans of Bluestem
- Featured Artisans of Bluestem
- A Kid’s Tale: An Evening of Shakespeare
- "Figuratively Speaking"
Similarly, the Contemporary Art Institute of Detroit hosted an exhibit called “Shelter” last year, which concentrated on homelessness as an emergency condition and the effects of catastrophic events. California-based The Main Gallery has a current mixed-media exhibit by Marianne Lettieri and Ginger Slonaker named “This Place Called Home.”
Although housing is a growing theme in art, Spare Parts isn’t just preaching. WIth the combination of artist and gallery profits, ten percent of proceeds will be donated to The Shelter, which provides emergency shelter and advocacy services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Lawson says that she has always been interested in how an art gallery can connect with the needs of the community.
The deadline for entering artwork is July 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. or by appointment. Some works already submitted include a door with graffiti-like paint and a small model house made out of natural elements.
“It is so broad-based,” Bartlett says. “Some might take that really literal and do something based on providing shelter for the homeless, or it could be about a certain house that you dream about.”
From cabinets to sculptures to bedroom doors, an array of ideas will adorn the walls and floor space of the Spare Parts Art Gallery. Beyond craftsmanship that is pleasing to the eye, this exhibit promotes community awareness and does its part in making this city a more livable place.
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