"I didn't know art could be political!"

"I didn't know art could be political!" challenge

Due date: June 11, 2008

(Submitted at Nov. Meeting by Michele Hardman)

Dear Paqettes,
Here's the Newest Challenge and as many details as I know to provide: More info to come if you bring up issues I haven't thought of as of yet. If there are any questions or suggestions please don't hesitate to call me on 847-220-2907 or email me at the NEW EMAIL: Michele.hardman@gmail.com Thanks for all your help in this,
Michele Hardman

PS: here's a link to perhaps inspire you -- also think about Picasso's Dove as contrasted with Picasso's Guernica-- both evoke passion in the viewer and are eternal reminders of art that embodies the Political. http://www.yuricareport.com/Gallery/ExhibitsDirectory.html There are many other links including some pretty incredible Art Quilts with very political inspirations. I urge you to look at those as well, e.g. Linda MacDonald http://www.lindamacdonald.com/ and others!

Theme for the Challenge 2008 -- it's a political year -- So the title comes from the refrain I hear constantly: Challenge Theme = "I didn't know art could be political!" Due date PAQA Meeting on June 11th -- so we can possibly have it on display for July 4th. Please feel free to interpret this topic in any way you see fit, it could be about a politician; it could be a protest; it could be a good idea for our government to implement; it could be about an issue you care about or an issue that needs addressed; it could be about political art (editorial cartoons spring to mind on this topic); it could be about freedoms or the lack of freedoms; it could be about rights -- human or civil or the right to privacy, the right to more fabric, the right to fuse or even the right to re-fuse; it could be about saving the whales, or saving the environment; it could even be about reforming the tax code!....there are so many ways you could take this challenge and create with it. Just because we are asking you to get a bit political here, doesn't mean that it can't be beautiful, well designed, or uniquely crafted with your own artistic vision shining out for all the world to see. Sometimes art needs to speak out and ask the hard questions. Often art communicates difficult ideas or concerns in a way that transcends the issue. Some of the greatest art is very political. So take your time and think about it - something will spring out and demand to be made for this challenge.

Rules:
Here's the catch -- you have to help me use up the yards of fabrics my family and friends just gave me for my 50th birthday as part of the challenge. At the December and January meetings I will bring in the selections for you to choose from (no set requirements here -- just help use it up-- feel free to add more or other fabrics too). Or I could mail you out a sample set if you are unable to attend the meetings.
Size to be no larger than 24" by 24".
Pleated Sleeve must be attached on back.
All quilts must be labeled with a title, name of quilter, date made, and any other information you would like to submit on the label.
A copy of the label and an artist's statement should be included as well.
Lastly, I would appreciated a quilted artist portrait to be submitted to hang with the artwork as well-- not only do I want fabric voices singing out -- I want to see fabric faces smiling out for the world to see.

Ideally, I would like to have at least 50 pieces submitted to make up a ! proper display to travel about, more would be even better.