This season, as in the past, Featherstone Center for the Arts has been aggressive in inciting enthusiasm for, and an enhanced understanding of, art in all its forms. The Center’s “Art of…” shows included flowers, pottery, metal sculpture, fiber, jewelry, and quilts. In each instance, a broad range of work was presented that displayed a serious investigation into the varieties of each discipline.
It was recently announced that a new and provocative show is being added to the program, The Art of the Personal Altar will be making its debut in October, and Featherstone is issuing an open call to all interested and creative people, regardless of their artistic experience.
Participants are encouraged to consider mixed media installations, assemblages, table top altars, matchbox altars, sculptures, paintings, collages, banners, altar pieces, figures, etc. All are being challenged to depart from the traditionally box-like altars and to think instead of creating altars that are flat, round, soft forms, or any innovative solutions that might stir the imagination.
Some themes for personal altars could include meditation, rituals, remembrances, seasonal, Mexican Day of the Dead Altars (earth, wind, water, and fire), ethnic, religious, and cultural — anything that serves as a definition of one’s self and belief system.
All pieces submitted must be dry, gallery ready, and submitted with all display elements included. If a piece requires special installation please make arrangements with the gallery committee prior to submitting it.
The drop off times are Wednesday, Oct. 12 between 9 am and 12 noon and Thursday, Oct. 13 between 12 noon and 4 pm.
The intention is to create a celebration connecting people from all backgrounds through a mix of mediums and forms.
The Art of the Personal Altar, being curated by Featherstone, will open on Sunday, Oct. 16, with an opening reception from 4 to 6 pm in the Virginia Weston Besse Gallery. The show will run through Wednesday, Nov. 2, from noon to 4 pm daily. Call Featherstone Center for the Arts, 508-693-1850.