Collection: A Solace of Objects: Open Call for Contributors
OPEN CALL FOR CONTRIBUTORS
for a RACC grant funded, community-sourced exhibit: A SOLACE OF OBJECTS
Produced and curated by Stephanie Sheldon, to be on view April 10th-May 10th
A Solace of Objects is a show created and curated by Stephanie Sheldon, owner and gallerist of Happy Anyway. It is a community-sourced “museum” show, which is to say it is story-based, perhaps educational, most certainly reflective, and the objects on view are not for sale.
Contributors are asked to submit an object of significance that is connected to someone who has died, along with some information about the object. ________________________________
Artist Statement and Project History:
In 2023, I created a show called “Where Did You Go?”. It was largely about how objects that were connected to my mom significantly shifted in value and meaning after her death. That show, and the interactions I had with people who saw it, is the seed from which A Solace of Objects is being created.
During that original show, visitors shared countless stories of the things they held onto and of how they found meaning in objects after someone died. As a result of those stories, a show + tell event was held where attendees were asked to bring an object of significance. It turned out to be storytelling and art and group therapy all rolled into one short evening and I want to recreate that shared experience. With A Solace of Objects, I want to offer a space where others’ objects are given an outlet to speak and a place where they may receive the reverence and attention I feel they deserve.
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If you’d like to contribute and agree to loan me your object for the duration of the show (approx 6 weeks), I’d be so grateful! I hope to make it simple for you - just choose the object you’d like to share and fill out this google form. Read on about parameters for your object submissions.
Object must be:
-physical (or something that can be represented physically)
-not too big (We are a small space - if you have an idea for something larger than a breadbox, just get in touch!)
Object might be:
-Inherited - it belonged to the deceased
-gifted to you by the deceased
-something that represents a memory of the deceased
Object should NOT be:
-of significant market value
-perishable
A note on choosing your object:
The idea of this exhibit is to celebrate the beautiful and often absurd ways ordinary objects take on significance after a death. So while it is an inherently sentimental endeavor, please don't feel you have to share something particularly precious or serious.
Limitation of submissions:
Depending on the number and size of object submissions, I expect to have room to exhibit only 12-15 items. Some submissions will not be accepted due to space, content constraints and/or curatorial choice. Everyone will be notified of acceptance status by Wednesday, March 4th.
Time commitment of accepted objects:
You will need to deliver objects no later than Monday, March 30th and I will arrange for their return to you no later than Thursday, May 15th. Contributors are encouraged to attend the exhibit’s opening party that will be held on Saturday, April 11th from 4-7pm, but attendance is not required.
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If you’re curious but hesitant for some reason, please get in touch with questions. You’re welcome to reach out either through email (wearehappyanyway@gmail.com) or text (503-381-1478).
Submissions (via google form) are due by noon on Wednesday, February 25th.
All applicants will hear whether their submission has been accepted into the exhibit or not by Wednesday, March 4th.
Thanks in advance for your consideration/submission!
Stephanie