As a result of receiving the 2019 Arlene and Morton Scult award for mid-career artist at Phoenix Art Museum, the Violet Protest was launched on January 15, 2020. At that time, the project was slated to be exhibited in September of 2020. Once displayed, the collection of squares would be divvied up between each US Representative and Senator and sent to the new 117th Congress early in 2021. Of course, our country was hit with the Coronavirus pandemic, and so, as of now, the show is re-scheduled for Spring of 2021, with the squares slated for sending off in late 2021.
From the project website: The Violet Protest is a public effort to send 50 hand-made textile squares to each and every member of Congress in support of these core American values: • Respect for the other • Citizenship • Compromise • Country over party and corporate influence • Courage • Candor • Compassion • Creativity Whether we knit, crochet, quilt, or embroider all 26,750 of these squares — through this social action, and from every corner of America; we as makers of all political persuasions, believe we can employ our willing spirit and our talents to contribute to healing divisions that threaten our country. This collection of textile squares will be first displayed at Phoenix Art Museum, in the Spring of 2021, before they are sent to the new 117th Congress by late 2021. Focused on the values we hold dear as Americans, rather than any political beliefs, the color violet symbolizes the literal combination of red and blue, long held as symbols of our nation's differing ideologies. Our common goal is to send a physical message of friendly protest through this colossal visual expression to demonstrate that if we as citizens are willing to come together, so then must our elected officials. So much has shifted in our country during the span of this project - the pandemic, the justifiable uprising over police brutality against our black citizens. It has hardened the resolve of some makers, and overwhelmed others. But the project persists, and has taken on so much more meaning and depth as people grapple with how to respond, how to speak and how to participate. There is so much more to unfold, so hold on, the ride could get bumpy - but we are in it together. Follow the project at: www.violetprotest.com www.facebook.com/thevioletprotest @thevioletprotest www.ravelry.com/groups/the-violet-protest
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Well - this post is late in the game, but our "What Can I Say?" show was cancelled for the March 20th opening. That week was the week when all s_ _ _ broke loose - one day it was no more than 50 people together and the next, it was no more than 10. Monday the 16th of March, I was all ready, car packed and heading down to Modified to install. A year's work, ready to go up and be shown! And then the text came, just as I was getting my keys out to start up the car. . . . Well - we've all been through so much since then. It feels like another lifetime ago that we could even think of an opening night, a full gallery of people shaking hands and hugging each other.
As of today, we are planning to "open" the show the third Friday in September. But openings will not look the same - at least for a year or so. Modified Arts is still waiting to see what the proper protocol should be, but even if we arrange a "by appointment only" the work will be shown - and at this point, we think it will be in September, thru October. Stay tuned. |
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