Sean C. Morgan
The SHOCASE Public Arts Committee is inviting entries for its next art exhibit, to be held in City Hall.
The show will be titled “Gallery of Fiber Arts.” It will replace the current exhibit of two-dimensional art, on display through mid-December. Admission is free to see the displays, which are located in the foyer and hallway of the new City Hall, at 3225 Main St.
The new show will be open to crochet, felting, cross-stitch, weaving, knitting, lace making, needlepoint and quilting.
“Art comes in many forms, and we’re going to explore those,” said Chris Chapman, a member of the Public Arts Committee.
“This whole thing is, by design, meant to not only bring art to Sweet Home but to allow the people to bring their art out and have a place to do it.”
Applications are available as of Nov. 6 at artinsweethome.org. Entries are limited to a maximum size of 48 inches by 48 inches.
Artists may submit up to two pieces. The date to drop off pieces is Jan. 7. Opening day for the art show will be Jan. 10.
The show will follow the same procedure as the current show, Chapman said. “Everything is juried in.”
How many exhibits may be displayed depends on how many are submitted, he said.
Sales will be allowed but may not take place at City Hall, although prices may be displayed.
Contact information is available through the website.
Chapman said the response to the initial show, which coincided with the grand opening of the new City Hall, 3225 Main St., was outstanding.
“It blew my mind, the amount of people that are actively in art, actively doing it,” Chapman said.
“We didn’t expect a lot because we honestly didn’t know. I’m very happy with the response. It’s enjoyable, it’s good to see that because there was no outlet.”
He noted that there have been smaller display outlets in town in the past but nothing as mainstream as the space at City Hall.
Having a committee dedicated to it helps, he said. “We’re able to actually reach artists and capture a lot of attention. (But) the community was the biggest part.”
The committee can post to Facebook and provide information for news stories, Chapman said.
“But if the community doesn’t buy into it, it’s not going to work. I think a lot of people bought into it.”
Chapman also publicly thanked the City of Sweet Home for its part in the project, allowing the displays in the new City Hall, as well as providing hardware to hang the art pieces.
“They’ve been so accommodating,” Chpaman said.
Again, the committee isn’t sure what to expect in terms of artist response, he said. “We’re just looking forward to seeing what’s out there, what comes in.”
For further information about the event, call committee Chairwoman and SHOCASE President Diane Gerson at (541) 990-2864.