Border Wall Quilt Project—Full Propsectus
Theme:
We’re building a wall that brings people together, to talk about building a wall that keeps people apart
General Information:
The Border Wall Quilt Project is a visual representation of a discussion about the proposed border wall between Mexico and the United States. This issue, like any wall, has two sides. Let’s use our medium and our skills to explore all aspects of this issue and what it would mean to those on both sides. Together, let’s consider political, environmental, cultural, and economic factors. Quilters in the United States and Mexico are invited to participate.
To be a part of the Border Wall Quilt Project, create and donate up to 3 small quilted pieces, 8” x 16” (20 x 40 cm) expressing your views, concerns, and feelings about the proposed border wall between the US and Mexico. Under the direction of fiber artist Lea McComas, these small quilts will be used as “bricks” to build a wall about the wall. Bricks will be placed back-to-back so that the installation will be viewed from both sides. In place of mortar, bricks will be suspended to create gaps that allow viewers on each side to see and hear each other.
Guidelines:
- Artists may submit up to 3 bricks. Construction of the wall will allow for only one side of each brick to be visible.
- Each brick must measure 8 in tall by 16 inches wide; that’s 20cm x 40 cm for those who prefer metric.
- Edges should be finished in such a way that the block can stand up to the rigors of packing and travel.
- Artists are asked to sign, stitch or otherwise incorporate their name and location (town & state, or country) on the lower edge of the front of the brick, as signage for the installation will not allow for acknowledgement of each individual artist. This is optional. Artists can remain anonymous.
- No sharp or fragile embellishments
- Nothing may hang off the sides or bottom of the brick
- No mounted or framed work can be accepted
- No material in the piece may infringe on the copyrights of others (images & lyrics)
- No work may include a call to violence. (But it may portray violence, or include profanity or nudity, as long as it supports the theme of the piece, and is not gratuitous).
- International entries are welcome, but artists located outside the U.S. will be responsible for shipping costs to the U.S.
- Information about the exhibition is available at borderwallquiltproject.com, which will eventually feature works and artists in the exhibition.
Call for entry will opened May 1, 2018 and will continue through December 31, 2020. The first sections of our wall will be constructed in the first weeks of June and additional 10-foot sections will be added as “bricks” arrive. Our goal is to build a wall that is at least 50-feet long, but the ultimate size and scope of the project depends on public interest and response. Follow our progress at BorderWallQuiltProject.com.
Cost:
Participants are asked to make a donation of $20 to be used to cover the costs related to documenting, assembling, shipping, exhibiting, and insuring the project. Any excess moneys at the end of the project will be donated to the Better Angels. (To find out more about this national citizens’ movement to reduce political polarization in the United States, visit www.better-angels.org)
Registration:
Download the registration form from the BorderWallQuiltProject.com website and send form in with brick(s). All bricks will be photographed when they arrive. Photos will be posted on social media sites and in our online galleries.
Information needed for registration:
- Full Name
- Mailing Address
- Phone number
- Artist statement of no more than 25 words*
* This item is optional but, if provided, may be used in promotional materials, or exhibition catalog.
You will be asked to agree to these terms and conditions:
I have submitted my entry(s) for inclusion in the Border Wall Quilt Project. I understand my artwork is donated to the project and will not be returned to me. I further agree to permit the image(s), and all or part of my Artist Statement to be used in articles, ads, promotions, catalogs, books, websites (including any webcast coverage), CDs, current event news coverage, television productions, and/or multi-media productions for and about the Border Wall Quilt Project.
Issues Under Consideration:
Exhibition Locations: This project is being considered by several venues. We are continually looking for venues to display the BWQP to the public. If you know of a museum, library, airport, university, or other venue that might be interested in hosting this exhibit, please send the necessary contact information to lea@leamccomas.com
Publication of work: An exhibition catalog of all of the artwork contributed to the BWQP is being considered. It will likely be assembled when the 6th panel is completed.
Final Disposition of the Exhibit: This is currently undecided. It is our hope that the exhibit walls will remain in tact and be donated to a museum as an historical artifact documenting this controversial time in our nation’s history.
For more information, to propose an exhibition site, or to discover other ways you can be involved in The Border Wall Quilt Project, call Lea McComas at 720-519-7841 or email lea@leamccomas.com.