Gustavus-based artist Sarah Campen is creating a “pop-up” community-based art exhibit timed for the 100th day of Donald Trump’s presidency, and any Southeast Alaska resident can submit.
The exhibit, “One Hundred Days – One Hundred Voices, will be April 29th at the Canvas.
“The basic idea is that regardless of where people stand on the political spectrum, the past few months have been difficult. I really believe in the power of artwork to provide healing on a personal and community level, and so I’m creating an opportunity for people in Southeast to engage with the current political climate through art creation,” Campen wrote in an email.
Anyone – including Trump supporters – can submit art for the exhibit, she said, as long as they are a Southeast Alaska resident. They don’t have to be experienced artists – Campen doesn’t even normally think of herself as a visual artist, she said, adding “the purpose is utilizing artistic mediums to process (and engage in discussion of) this tumultuous time in our nation’s history.”
“Although I definitely have my own opinions, the event itself is neither pro nor anti Trump,” she wrote. “The goal is to showcase a range of views through artistic expression.”
Campen is making a set of stationary, the first time she’s done a project like that. (One of her more recent projects was helping to guide Angoon students in writing and performing a play called “Raven Stole the Sun,” information about which is available here: http://www.capitalcityweekly.com/stories/111815/new_1263243264.shtml.)
“I found that in the overwhelm of the weeks following the inauguration, one small tangible thing I could imagine doing was sending cards to public figures and individuals who I think are standing up for values I believe in,” she wrote.
Eight people have already signed up to participate in the show, she said. Visual art, live performances, and digital pieces are all accepted. In the call for submissions, she asks that people answer one or more of the following questions through their art: “In what way(s) has this political climate affected you? What is most on your mind right now?” and “What role does art play in this time, for you personally or for the community?”
The deadline to submit is April 20. To do so, go to http://tinyurl.com/lftpm5q. The call for submissions poster is available at http://tinyurl.com/l8wln6w.
There will also be community art-creating activities during the event.
Campen is accepting donations towards the cost of the exhibit, which is around $1,000, she said. Donations will be accepted at the event, or you can email her at onehundredvoicesinfo@gmail.com.
