Georgetown Library to hold Christmas photography contest | Ledger Independent

By in Photography

Georgetown Library to hold Christmas photography contest | Ledger Independent

GEORGETOWN, Ohio – The Georgetown public library is holding a photo contest for the Holiday’s called the Christmas Photography Contest for amateurs.

The contest have been taking place for a number of years now even though it is not annual it is still not the first time that the library is holding it.

Georgetown library youth services associate Adeline stated that “I think we have had it in the past but it hasn’t really been yearly maybe we will see how this one goes and that is definitely a possibility I would say” when discussing if the contest is annual.

This event is open to all ages and anyone who has photos that are in the theme of Christmas can submit them to the library.

The official website for the library states that “To enter submit a 5×7 copy of your favorite Christmas photo (stockings hung with care, children in their Christmas wear, Christmas lights all aglow, presents tied in a bow) mounted on card stock, with your name, age, and phone number on the back.”

There will be three different age group categories for the contest with the first one ages seven through eleven, the second one ages twelve through sixteen and the third one ages seventeen and up.

When asked if there is usually quite a few submissions for the contest Adeline states “Yes typically” and that the library hopes to have around “Hopefully around 25 to 30 maybe.”

This contest was introduced at the library before this year but Adeline stated how it came about to have it by stating “We were just kind of thinking of different things that we haven’t done in a while like I said we have kind of brought this idea back but just getting together and talking it through with everybody that works here and the staff and trying to come up with some different ideas that the crowd would like.”

Contests’ and events that take place at locations like libraries connect with the communities and Holiday themed ones do so even more.

“We are hoping that it can encourage creativity and also it gives people a change especially the amateurs a chance to share their passion for photography and kind of show others their work that they may not have a platform to share that on” Adeline states.

As long as the photos are Christmas related they can be submitted to the contest that started on Nov. 20 and runs through Dec. 11.

For more information you can visit the event page for the library at https://www.browncountypubliclibrary.org/content/christmas-photography-contest-georgetown-library or check out the official Facebook page for the Brown County Public Library at https://www.facebook.com/people/Brown-County-Public-Library/100070182910577/.

Heard Around Campus

By in Art World News

Heard Around Campus
View of Drexel Main Building Main Court

There’s a lot to squeeze in before the start of winter break! Learn more about faculty and professional staff perks in campus dining and at the Drexel Barnes & Noble bookstore as well as ways to give, learn and share your thoughts in the next couple of weeks.

Here’s what was heard around campus this month.

Nov. 30: Winter Market at the Gateway Garden

On Nov. 30, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society will host a Holiday Market featuring Philly-made art, ceramics, apparel skin care and more. There are even a few student makers selling their creations. Stop by the Gateway Garden (32nd and Market streets) for some holiday cheer and to support local vendors!

Donate to Drexel’s 27th Annual Toy Drive Through Dec. 8

As you begin your holiday shopping, consider picking up a toy (or two) to contribute to Drexel’s 27th Annual Toy Drive, which supports over 50 community organizations. You can donate new, unwrapped toys (no weapons) from now through Dec. 8 at the following collection box locations:

  • Main Building, 3141 Chestnut St., President’s Office, Outside Suite 103
  • 3020 Market St., Suite 104 (Office of Government and Community Relations)
  • 3201 Arch St., First Floor Lobby
  • New College Building, Lobby
  • CAT Building, Suite 170, Dean’s Suite
  • Daskalakis Athletic Center, Lobby
  • Korman Center, Lobby
  • Health Sciences Building, 60 N. 36th St., Lobby
  • 3225 Arch St., Outside Suite 011 (Office for Institutional Equity and Inclusive Culture)
  • Pret a Manger, 3400 Lancaster Ave.

Volunteers will be needed to help with the Toy Drive Community Celebration on Dec. 19. For more information or to volunteer, please email Karen Lewis at kal376@drexel.edu.

Teaching Faculty: Upload Course Materials for Winter 2024 Quarter and Spring 2024 Semester 

To comply with Higher Education Opportunities Act, the Drexel Barnes & Noble Bookstore needs all course material adoptions for the winter 2024 quarter and winter 2024 semester as soon as possible, but no later than Dec. 8 via the BNC Adoptions& Insights Portal on the “Faculty” tab in DrexelOne. If you do not require any materials, the bookstore must display that information for students; please confirm in the portal. Providing course material information by the deadline helps students who need financial assistance to estimate costs. The team at Barnes & Noble at Drexel University is committed to supporting you and your students. If you have any questions regarding course adoption material, please contact the store team via email at sm457@bncollege.com.

Faculty and Professional Staff Appreciation Day at Drexel Barnes & Noble 

On Dec. 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Barnes & Noble Drexel University Campus Bookstore at University City (3250 Chestnut Street) will host an all-day Faculty & Professional Staff Appreciation Day. Faculty and professional staff receive an additional discount of 10 percent off (in addition to the typical 15 percent off); you must present you DragonCard and make your purchase in-store at 3250 Chestnut St. Other restrictions may apply; see store for details.   

Perks for Faculty and Professional Staff in Campus Dining   

Drexel Campus Dining offers two dining plan options for faculty and professional staff that makes dining on the University City campus convenient and affordable: the Block 15 + 25 Dining Dollars plan and the Block 25 + 50 Dining Dollars plan. Although a dining plan is not required to dine in any of the Drexel Campus Dining locations (cash and credit card are accepted), there are benefits to purchasing a plan. Learn more on the Business Services website.

Not ready to commit to a dining plan? Drexel faculty and professional staff can enjoy 40 percent off on Fridays at the Handschumacher Dining Center (Creese Student Center) or Urban Eatery (34th Street and Lancaster Avenue). Both locations are all-you-care-to-eat locations where you pay one fee to enter, and you can stay (and eat!) for as long as you’d like. With the Friday discount, faculty and staff can dine at an unbeatable value: $6.60 for breakfast, $8.70 for lunch, or $9.90 for dinner. To view daily menus and hours, visit drexel.edu/dining. 

Ready, Set, Wellness! Kickstart the 2024 Wellness Program

Drexel’s Wellness Incentive Program is closed for 2023 and will officially reopen Jan. 1, 2024. Get a jump on 2024 wellness by scheduling your preventative care exams (then set a calendar reminder to upload proof of visit after the event and claim your points). And register in Career Pathway for 2024 events. Topics range from food sensitivities to digital legacy planning. Check out the complete list today! Highlighted upcoming workshops below:

  • Get Financially Fit With Franklin Mint: Jan. 9

Join A Healthier U and Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union for a virtual presentation on credit reports and credit scoring from 2–3 p.m. The seminar covers: why there are multiple credit agencies, what information is reported in various sections of a credit report, what impacts your credit store, and more. You can bring a copy of your credit report to the session to follow along. Register is required in Career Pathway. Participants will earn 15 wellness points ($15).

  • Navigating the Wellness Incentive Program: Jan. 17

Whether you are new to the Wellness Incentive Program and have questions, or just want to optimize your points for next year, you’re invited to attend “Navigating the Wellness Incentive Program.” Hosted by Health Advocate, this workshop offers support, tips and tricks directly from the source. Everyone who attends will earn 15 wellness points ($15).

The SAFE Program Teaches You to Protect Yourself

Public Safety’s self-protection program, Self-Awareness for Everyone (SAFE), is split into two sessions: SAFE I and SAFE II. Due to the hands-on nature of the class, we strongly recommend you register with a fellow Dragon. Participation in the techniques is recommended, but not required. Registration is required 72 hours prior to the class. You can register via Eventbrite for these classes. These classes are also available by request for your group.

  • SAFE I classes will be offered the second week of every month on Monday and Wednesday from 5–7 p.m. Upcoming classes are on Dec. 11 and Dec. 13.
  • SAFE II classes will be offered the fourth week of every month on Monday and Wednesday from 5–7 p.m. and cannot be taken until you have completed SAFE I. Upcoming classes are on Dec. 18 and Dec. 27.

Public Comment Period Open for Policy on Repeated Courses and GPA Adjustments

The 30-day public comment period is now open for PO–02: Repeated Courses and GPA Adjustments – Undergraduate Students. Any student, faculty or professional staff member may review the policy and comment on it via the links provided on the Public Comment Period webpage. This public comment period ends on Dec. 21, 2023.

Policy Compliance: Winter Pause on Policy Processing

From Dec. 21, 2023, through Jan. 12, 2024, the Policy Compliance Process will not be processing policies or holding any public comment periods for proposed policies. The process will resume on Jan. 13. If you have any urgent policy-related concerns during this time, please contact the Director of Policy Compliance at policy@drexel.edu. 

Recent Policy Status Changes: 

  • PO-53: Learning Management System – Approved as Interim Policy
  • PO-103: Academic Integrity as it Pertains to Artificial Intelligence – Approved as Interim Policy
  • PO-85: Non–Tenure Track Faculty – Approved as Official University Policy
  • PO-86: Non–Tenure Track Faculty Paid Professional Leave Policy – Approved as Official University Policy

Please visit the Policy Directory for a list of all Official University Policies and their current statuses.

Download and Post the New Drexel Compliance Hotline Poster

The Drexel Compliance Hotline Poster [PDF] is available for download! Please help cultivate a culture of compliance by displaying one in your office or common area. 

Save the Date: ProcureExperience and SupplierExpo on March 27

Drexel University’s ProcureExperience & SupplierExpo is a unique opportunity for you to engage with the University community and Drexel’s Accounts Payable and Procurement Services team. The event will offer informational and educational sessions. Save the date — March 27, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Health Sciences Building — and stay tuned for details!

In a booming creative economy, entrepreneurs rely on a blend of art and business

By in Art World News

In a booming creative economy, entrepreneurs rely on a blend of art and business

Nature has always been a source of inspiration for Valerie Carrigan’s artwork. Over time, Carrigan found herself committed to protecting and preserving the natural world through the art of printmaking and book arts. After earning degrees in art education and fine arts, she built up her bodies of work and itched to get her pieces out of the studio and into the hands of others. The only obstacle was figuring out how.

“When I was in college, I was never once offered a class in the business of art,” says Carrigan, MFA, an assistant professor of studio art in the College of Arts and Sciences’ History, Literature, and the Arts department. “I think this does a disservice to emerging artists because they graduate from college and don’t know how to pursue a career in the arts where they can also make a living.”

Looking to launch her career after grad school, Carrigan taught herself how to build a website, market and sell work, and apply for grants and fellowships. She notes that having this information upon graduation could have helped her kick-start her artistic career much earlier and have a better balance of practicing business and art.

Book art scene of trees and mountains.
Carrigan exhibits at galleries and museums across the country. In February, she will showcase her work at the CODEX Foundation’s International Biennial Book Art Fair and Symposium.

Today, Carrigan works out of a Massachusetts-based historic mill where she creates and sells her work. She also exhibits at galleries and museums across the country and will showcase her work in February at the CODEX Foundation’s International Biennial Book Art Fair and Symposium in Oakland, California. Carrigan is currently teaching courses in Bryant’s new Arts and Creative Industries major. Through this program, students develop a business plan, participate in arts-related internships, learn to design their own websites, discover how they can market their work via social media, navigate how to apply for art grants and residencies, and more.

“To have a successful career as a visual artist, creative writer, or performing artist, we need to understand how business is connected to our passion for the arts,” she says.

Carrigan stresses the importance of building community by networking with those in the creative industries during conferences, residencies, or by reaching out online. Connecting with other artists facilitates a supportive environment for individuals and can lead to new and surprising opportunities.

“Students often don’t realize the incredible range of opportunities in the creative industries,” Carrigan says. “You don’t need to be a painter or an actor to work in the arts. Instead, you might become a mobile app designer, a freelance sportswriter, or a museum educator. Statistics show that the creative economy is booming. The life of an artist has ups and downs just like any career, but perseverance is key because there’s nothing as rewarding as having a career you are passionate about.”

Students like Olivia Soffey ’26 are already making strides in their creative careers. Soffey, a Literary and Cultural Studies major with minors in Marketing and Arts and Creative Industries, has been writing and self-publishing books since age 16. She released her third book, The Annihilation Code, this year and is currently writing her fourth.

“I’m a storyteller at heart, and it’s something I’ve always been passionate about. If I could write full-time, that would be my dream job,” says Soffey, who’s involved with the Bryant Literary Review and Creative Writing Club.

Olivia Soffey, author, discusses her latest book in Bryant's library.
Following the release of her latest book, The Annihilation Code, Olivia Soffey spoke about her creative process in the Douglas & Judith Krupp Library.

Soffey’s storytelling began at age six and highlighted adventures of talking dogs and cats — all inspired by The Buddies, a spin-off of Disney’s Air Bud series. Moving into her teenage years, she enjoyed young adult fantasy, and her writing soon followed that direction.

Soffey navigated the self-publishing world with the help of her parents and YouTube tutorials before settling on using Amazon Publishing. Her books are currently sold through Amazon, though people can purchase signed copies by DMing her on Instagram.

“Business isn’t something that came naturally to me because I really am an artist at heart, but I have learned a lot about how to market books and have a good elevator pitch,” Soffey says.

While books are full of surprises, Soffey’s creative journey has also revealed its own unexpected plot twists.

“The amount of business involved in art surprised me,” Soffey says. “Society often frames art and business as two oppositional things, but creative industries are industries and there’s a huge business component to that. If you want to make money, you have to know the business side of it.”

Relative Arts showcases indigenous art forms

By in Native

Relative Arts showcases indigenous art forms

EAST VILLAGE, MANHATTAN — In the heart of the East Village, Relative Arts is a brick-and-mortar store, community space, and open atelier, dedicated to celebrating indigenous vendors, contemporary artists, and designers.

Co-founded by educator Liana Shewey and fashion designer Korina Emmerich, Relative Arts goes beyond being a retail space. They host events ranging from gallery shows, poetry readings, intimate musical performances, and knowledge-sharing events that foster empowerment and connection within the indigenous community, what Emmerich views as a “curated clubhouse.”

“I have never had such a full and supportive group of indigenous people as I do here in New York City,” said Shewey.

Through art and education, Relative Arts honors tradition while fostering the advancement of “Indigenous Futurism,” an emerging art and design movement that pushes for a more representative future.

“We are thinking about what it looks like for us to not just be surviving but thriving into the future. There are many different ways that we are able to contribute to a more representative society of the original stewards of this land,” said Shewey.

Relative Arts commits to social impact through T-shirt campaigns, contributing 30% of proceeds to initiatives supporting Indigenous communities.

“You will find everything from fashion, clothing, design, wellness products, and jewelry,” said Shewey. “We really carry every kind of art form that you could imagine that indigenous people are making.”

“It invites people into the conversation to gain new understanding that we are trying to make this world an equitable place that celebrates the beautiful diversity of our culture,” said Shewey.

Nishina Loft, artist in residence at Relative Arts, creates tufted earrings, art prints and clothes that embodies the resilience of indigenous identity.

“We know who we are, we know where we come from. We have this shared experience of being indigenous and what that means. So being able to come into a space where you’re understood and cared for is just really empowering,” said Loft.

From giant eyeballs to musical robots, where to find public art in North Texas

By in Native

From giant eyeballs to musical robots, where to find public art in North Texas

Looking to broaden your appreciation of art but don’t know where to start?

To quote the immortal words of Glinda the Good Witch of the North, “There’s no place like home.”

That’s right. A great place to begin your art discovery is in your own neighborhood or in the places you go every day. Some of the best opportunities to enjoy art come in the form of public art that’s all around us.

To help get you started, we’ve identified a few of the many pieces of public art in the DFW area that you’re going to want to check out.

Keren Carrión

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KERA NEWS

According to the artist, the meaning behind the 30-foot eye is, “whatever you want.”

The Eye (2007) by Tony Tasset, Fiberglass, Resin, and Steel Sculpture

Where its located: 1601 Main Street, Dallas

Why you’ll love discovering it: The Eye is so quirky; it’s no wonder we started off with it. I mean, c’mon! It’s a 30-foot EYEBALL in the middle of Downtown Dallas! Much like a roadside attraction or a giant ball of string, you just have to go see it. According to the artist, the work has no particular meaning, but he did model it after his own eye.

What to do next: Just two blocks away is the beautiful Thanks-Giving Square. The property consists of a serene garden and a chapel. The garden, set fifteen feet below ground level, uses water features to block out the sounds of the city. The spiral-shaped chapel on the east side of the property is inspired by the Great Mosque in Samarra, Iraq and contains 73 horizontally mounted panels of stained glass.

You'll find this piece among the butterflies at White Rock Lake.

Therese Powell

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KERA NEWS

You’ll find this piece among the butterflies at White Rock Lake.

Whirl (2006) by John Christiansen, Sculpture

Where its located: In front of the Bath House Cultural Center at White Rock Lake in East Dallas, 521 E. Lawther Drive, Dallas

Why you’ll love discovering it: This airy elliptical sculpture is going to remind you of a breezy summer day. Its bronze rings and leaves sit on a concrete pedestal in a butterfly garden right in front of a popular cultural center. It was the artist’s intention to have the flowers in the garden eventually grow to cover the base so it would look like the sculpture was floating.

What to do next: Take a closer look at the Bath House Cultural Center. Constructed in 1930, this Dallas landmark was one of the first Art Deco buildings in the southwest. Originally it was a place for Dallasites to escape the Texas heat; today it’s a home for artists and independent theater companies. Walk around to the back of the center and skim some stones on White Rock Lake.

Therese Powell

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KERA

“Clean Slate” by KAWS is one of many pieces you’ll find at NorthPark Center

Clean Slate (2015) by KAWS, Painted Bronze Sculpture

Where its located: NorthPark Center – 8687 North Central Expressway, Dallas

Why you’ll love discovering it: KAWS’ character named “Companion” carries two sleeping (or misbehaving) children. Tired parents navigating the mall with kids can relate to this piece. You can find the sculpture, fittingly enough, near the Mrs. Fields cookie shop. In addition to “Clean Slate,” NorthPark Center currently has close to 30 pieces from artists like Mark Di Suvero, Antony Gormley and Henry Moore on view. Pick up a free map at the Concierge, located on Level One near Neiman Marcus, and take a self-guided tour of the artwork.

What to do next: Explore even more of Raymond and Patsy Nasher’s collection at the Nasher Sculpture Center in the Dallas Arts District. You’ll find works by Calder, de Kooning, di Suvero, Matisse, Miro, Moore, Picasso, Rodin, and many others in the Galleries and Garden. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month.

Dallas native, Georgia Carroll was the model for 'Spirit of the Centennial.

Therese Powell

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KERA NEWS

Dallas native, Georgia Carroll was the model for ‘Spirit of the Centennial.” Carroll went on to marry orchestra leader Kay Kaiser.

Spirit of the Centennial (1936) by Raoul Josset, Sculpture

Where to find it: Women’s Building at Fair Park – 3800 Parry Ave., Dallas

Why you’ll love discovering it: The State Fair of Texas is still a few months away, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pay a visit to Fair Park to see this beautiful lady. She was created for the 1936 Centennial and was inspired by Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus.” Instead of emerging from the sea on a clamshell, this beauty sits perched on a Saguaro cactus above a reflecting pool. Saguaro cacti aren’t native to Texas, but it’s rumored the model who posed for the statue is. That’s none other than actress Georgia Carroll, a starlet in the ‘40s. Carroll grew up in East Dallas and is a 1937 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School.

What to do next: This fair lady sits at the entrance to Fair Park. You owe it to yourself spend the day exploring the rest of the treasures located there. Not only is Fair Park home to one of the largest collections Art Deco buildings in the world, but the park’s 244 acres are packed with sculptures, murals and fountains created especially for the 1936 Centennial. A KERA favorite is the Texas Woofus statue. He’s a composite of various animals that you’ll find during the State Fair.

This work by artist Amandalynn, is just one of many murals you'll find in Downtown Arlington.

DENNIS HEVIA

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Arlington Museum of Art

This work by artist Amandalynn, is just one of many murals you’ll find in Downtown Arlington.

Cowgirl (2019) by Amandalynn, Mural

Where to find it: Arlington Museum of Art, 201 W. Main St., Arlington

Why you’ll love discovering it: The girl surrounded by Monarch butterflies who adorns the entrance to the Arlington Museum of Art was painted as a promotional piece for the inaugural KAABOO music festival that took place in May 2019 at AT&T Stadium.

What to do next: Take a mural tour through Downtown Arlington. This handy mapfrom Downtown Arlington.org pinpoints the locations of all the city’s public art. Finish up with a stop at the Mellow Mushroom for pizza and picture with the giant yellow mushroom.

Unity Arch by Owen Morrel along the Entertainment District Sculpture Trail at Richard Greene Linear Park in Arlington.

Yfat Yossifor

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KERA

Unity Arch by Owen Morrel along the Entertainment District Sculpture Trail at Richard Greene Linear Park in Arlington.

Unity Arch by Owen Morrell, Steel Sculpture

Where to find it: Arlington Entertainment Art Trail at Richard Greene Linear Park, 1601 E. Randol Mill Road, Arlington

Why you’ll love discovering it: What better way to enjoy nature than with AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Park as a backdrop? The trail features between 15 and 20 different sites that allow you to view around 40 sculptures. The stainless steel infinity sculpture, “Unity Arch,” stands nearly 14 feet tall is covered with a mesh made of reflective metal plates.

What to do next: Be sure to sign up for an AT&T Stadium Tour. Besides an up-close look at artwork displayed throughout the stadium, you’ll also get the chance to toss a ball on the world-famous field.

The Mustangs at Las Colinas are the centerpiece of Williams Square, a plaza in the Las Colinas Urban Center.

David Lloyd

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City of Irving Dept. Arts & Culture

The Mustangs at Las Colinas are the centerpiece of Williams Square, a plaza in the Las Colinas Urban Center.

Mustangs of Las Colinas (1984) by Robert Glen, Bronze Sculpture

Where it’s located: Williams Square Plaza, 5221 N. O’Connor Blvd., Irving

Why you’ll love discovering it: The bronze sculpture of nine wild mustangs galloping across a stream was commissioned by businessman Ben Carpenter as a focal point for his residential and business development called “Las Colinas.” Working from his studio in Nairobi, Kenya, African wildlife artist Robert Glen spent a year researching mustangs. He used horses from southern Spain as the models for his sculpture—horses with the same bloodlines as those brought to America by the Spanish centuries ago.

What to do next: Take a walk around the banks of Irving’s Lake Carolyn and the Mandalay Canals, which were inspired by the canals in Venice. Next, explore the Water Street area of the Las Colinas Entertainment District where you’ll find plenty of restaurants and shops.

'Waiting on a Train' is part of a trio of robot sculptures located in Deep Ellum.

Therese Powell

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KERA NEWS

‘Waiting on a Train’ is part of a trio of robot sculptures located in Deep Ellum.

Waiting on a Train (2009) by Todd Oldham and Brandon Oldenberg, Metal Sculpture

Where it’s located: Near the corner of Pacific Street and Good-Latimer Expressway in Deep Ellum

Why you’ll love discovering it: This sculpture is actually the second of three metal men in the Traveling Man series. His robot brothers, “Walking Tall” and “Awakening,” are nearby along Good Latimer. This guy is interesting because even though he’s new and futuristic, he captures the essence of old Deep Ellum. His head resembles a guitar headstock — a nod towards the area’s music history — and he’s leaning against the last piece of the Good-Latimer Expressway tunnel. The beloved mural-covered tunnel was demolished in 2005 to make way for DART’s Green Line.

What to do next: Deep Ellum is full of amazing murals. Take a stroll down Commerce, Elm and Main streets and you’ll find a treasure trove of artwork perfect for Instagram, selfies or just admiring. In fact, Frank Campagna’smural “Deep Ellum TV” is located on a building right next to “Awakening.” It depicts a dinosaur and a robot playing music together–an update of an early mural that had the two fighting.

'We Are Music & Music is Us' was installed in Oak Cliff's Kiest Park in conjunction with Stevie Ray Vaughan's 66th birthday.

Therese Powell

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KERA News

‘We Are Music & Music is Us’ was installed in Oak Cliff’s Kiest Park in conjunction with Stevie Ray Vaughan’s 66th birthday.

We Are Music & Music is Us (2020) by Casto Solano, Metal Sculpture

Where it’s located: Kiest Park 3080 S. Hampton Road, Dallas

Why you’re going to love finding it: This outdoor sculpture features four steel-cut images of Stevie Ray Vaughan and his older brother, Jimmie. The musicians are two of Oak Cliff’s most favored sons, so it’s fitting that it’s situated not far from where the two grew up. The images and words on the piece are cut outs, so you can see through them. The look of the weathered steel changes depending on the angle and the time of day you view it.

What to do next: Pack a lunch and plan for a picnic; afterward, take a hike and explore the park’s many walking paths.

Take a stroll through Inspiration Alley in Fort Worth's Foundry District

Gila Espinoza

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KERA News

Take a stroll through Inspiration Alley in Fort Worth’s Foundry District

Inspiration Alley (2017) murals by various artists

Where it’s located: The Foundry District, 200 Carroll St., Fort Worth

Why you’re going to love finding it: Located in the heart of Fort Worth’s Foundry District, Inspiration Alley is one of Texas’ only permanent outdoor art galleries. The collection of mural art is packed with rotating works from some of the area’s most talented artists.

What to do next: Mosey on over to Doc’s Recordsfor a trip down memory lane. Peruse through over 10,000 square feet of vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, and 8 track tapes. More than music, the store also has vintage items like clothing, posters, magazines, comics and music memorabilia.

'Vortex' is art that talks back

Kevin Todora

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Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

‘Vortex’ is art that talks back

Vortex (2002) by Richard Serra, Steel Sculpture

Where it’s located: Front Lawn of Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth

Why you’ll love discovering it: The words “interactive” and “immersive” get thrown around a lot these days when referring to art, but this piece actually delivers on both counts. Walk inside the immense 67-foot steel structure, look up at the sky through the opening at the top, and then yell or clap. As it bounces off the metal, the reverberation of sound will make you feel like you’re at the Grand Canyon.

What to do next: Make a day of it and explore Fort Worth’s Cultural District. The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, the Kimbell Art Museum and the Amon Carter Museum of American Artare all world class museums and all are within walking distance of each other. Afterward, head down the bricks on Camp Bowie and treat yourself to a frozen custard from Curly’s or a hamburger from Kincaid’s.

Continue your public art journey with these resources:

Fort Worth Public Art
City of Dallas Arts and Culture
Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau
Downtown Arlington
Dallas Arts District

Got a tip? Email Therese Powell at tpowell@kera.org. 

Art&Seek is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you.

Qantas’ Airbus A220 Livery Features a Story Through Aboriginal Art

By in Native

Qantas’ Airbus A220 Livery Features a Story Through Aboriginal Art

Qantas has revealed its inaugural Airbus A220 aircraft, featuring a captivating Aboriginal-inspired livery. Set to join QantasLink, its regional subsidiary, and commence operations in early 2024, the aircraft, registered as VH-X4A, was showcased at Airbus’ facility in Mirabel, Canada, ahead of its anticipated arrival in Australia by the year’s end.

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A QantasLink A220 with the new livery | Photo: Qantas

This aircraft showcases the Aboriginal artwork of senior Pitjantjatjara artist Maringka Baker, narrating the ‘dreaming story of two sisters who traverse remote Australia together, covering vast distances to find their way home,’ as outlined in a statement from the airline.

Collaborating with Indigenous Australian design agency Balarinji, Qantas has ensured a distinctive fuselage design for its aircraft, marking another addition to the Flying Art Series. This particular design, featuring over 20,000 dots, required the artistic efforts of a team of 100 painters over two weeks to complete.

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A QantasLink A220 with the new livery at the Airbus facility in Mirabel, Canada | Photo: Qantas

Adding an extra layer of cultural significance, the aircraft has been christened ‘Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa,’ translating to ‘The Two Sisters Creation Story,’ drawing inspiration from the captivating artwork. Currently situated at Airbus’ Mirabel facility in Canada, the A220 is scheduled to touch down in Australia before the conclusion of 2023.

Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson shared her enthusiasm, stating, “These aircraft have the potential to change the way our customers travel across the country, with the ability to connect any two cities or towns in Australia. That means faster and more convenient travel for business trips and exciting new possibilities for holiday travel. A whole new fleet type also means a lot of opportunities for our people to operate and look after these aircraft.”

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A QantasLink A220 with the new livery at the Airbus facility in Mirabel, Canada | Photo: Qantas

Hudson added that the A220 is anticipated to arrive during Christmas, with its inaugural commercial flights scheduled for early 2024 on QantasLink’s service between Canberra and Melbourne before expanding across a broader network.

The introduction of the A220 marks the sixth aircraft in the Flying Art Series, with the initial plane, a Boeing 747 named Wunala Dreaming, debuting in 1994 and the most recent addition being a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in 2018. The A220-300 is set to replace QantasLink’s aging Boeing 717 fleet, presenting substantial operational enhancements.

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A generic QantasLink A220 | Photo: Airbus

Boasting nearly twice the range, approximately 25% less fuel burn per seat, and reduced emissions, the A220 is expected to gradually replace the 717 fleet, which is approaching an average age of 22 years, with its final flight scheduled for June 2024.

Featuring two cabins accommodating up to 137 passengers – ten in business and 127 in economy – the A220 is a versatile asset for QantasLink, capable of serving domestic and regional networks while opening up new routes.

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Another view of a generic QantasLink A220 | Photo: Airbus

Qantas anticipates having seven A220s in service with QantasLink by mid-2025, with the fleet expanding to 29 by 2027. In addition to its narrowbody renewal, including the Airbus A321XLR, Qantas is set to receive 12 Airbus A350-1000s to upgrade its long-haul fleet.

Lucianne Canavan Repairs for Well-Being, Community, and the Planet

By in Design

Lucianne Canavan Repairs for Well-Being, Community, and the Planet

Lucianne Canavan is a multi-disciplinary textiles artist-designer and recent graduate from Textiles in Practice at Manchester School of Art, whose work was shown as part of Green Grads at the London Design Festival in September. Her work focuses on sustainability and community and she aims to bring solutions to the waste produced by the fashion and textile industry through the promotion of mending, repair, and creative well-being.

Lucianne Canavan at Green Grads during the London Design Festival

Tell me about your childhood, education, and background and how you first became interested in repair.

I was very fortunate to grow up in a family surrounded by artists and makers, and although no one worked specifically in textiles there was always a biscuit tin filled with sewing supplies! My mum’s motto was very much “make do and mend.” I was always handy when the arm of a jumper tore or a button fell off but I had never put too much thought into it and had always tried my best to make it look like there had never been any damage.

Growing up with a disability that caused chronic fatigue meant I was limited physically and I often felt arts and making were my only outlet as I was unable to take part in sports activities. I remember first learning to sew around the age of four, I made a lavender pouch in the shape of a love heart and kept it under my pillow for years, I have always cherished that memory as it feels like a marker of a milestone in my life.

A section of orange jumper with a pink and purple woven patch

I enjoyed textiles in college but chose to focus on fine art and portraiture right up until my very last assignment in my foundation year for which I stitched a “Garbage Tapestry.” As a cathartic protest, I gathered all the rubbish from around the college grounds and stitched it all together in a big wall hanging along with other political statements that were relevant to the climate crisis at the time. That felt really good – I was able to create from waste whilst sharing my voice and connecting with others by creating a platform for conversation.

During my time at Manchester School of Art, I focused heavily on sewing and utilizing all the scrap fabrics I could, especially tartan. I found that my work was heavily inspired by woven fabrics and decided that I also wanted to weave alongside my embroidery practice. It was fun to juggle the two and see how they fed off one another but my goal was to bring them together cohesively and seamlessly. This is where I first delved into the world of mending.

An orange knitted sweater lies on the grass – it has three pink and purple checked patches

What appeals to you about repairing existing objects versus creating something new?

I have always felt things very deeply, I have a strong sense of justice and a need to do things “the right way.” To me, this means causing the least amount of damage to the environment as possible. I am aware that nobody is perfect in this as our world isn’t set up to really allow us to do so, but I can try my best! Knowing how much waste is created by fast fashion; the idea of buying an outfit for one night only to send it to a charity bin the next day; and seeing the mountains of waste on the news just made me feel helpless. I was determined to not add to the mess we’ve found ourselves in but to bring solutions and hope. We don’t need new things – enough clothes already exist we just need to find ways to restore the love we once had for the items we are now throwing away.

A pale blue sleeve has been patched with a pink and purple woven and felted patch

There are many words for repair with slight nuances in their meaning – mending, fixing, hacking, restoring… which do you prefer in relation to your work and why?

I always steer toward the term “mending” when it comes to my work, partly because I am most familiar with it, but also because of the phrase “on the mend.” I like the idea that you’re not just repairing your clothes but you’re also helping yourself, you’re focusing and coming into your body while you work, and relaxing, which all help to relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety – that in itself can almost feel like a repair.

I use the word “upcycled” a lot in my work too, because I often work with items that exist and, despite being discarded, are in fine condition and so I add scrap patches onto them in order to re-design them. I find this gives them a new lease of life. Instead of throwing away perfectly good clothes you don’t like anymore, reworking them into new items can refresh them and bring a whole new love to the item.

An orange woollen sweater with patches hangs on a line

How would you describe this body of work?

The work itself is an ode to weaving and embroidery, a representation of the marriage of two traditional crafts, and a celebration of scrap fabrics, natural fibers, and damaged clothes. The woven fabrics are soft with a dreamy color palette whilst the scrap fabrics somewhat juxtapose this with their playful patches. This body of work was so fun to make and I feel that it really shows, the woven patches blend beautifully into the jumpers wool to create pops of colors on the surface. Not only do the pieces hold an appealing aesthetic but they serve a purpose and hold a message.

Woven samples hang on a washing line

What is the inspiration behind it – where did it come from?

This body of work was created during a hard time for me and I used it as I intended others to, as a form of creative wellbeing. I allowed myself to let go, experiment, and play – something that I feel we lose as adults, but desperately need. The idea of repairing means putting in our time to preserve a memory or a feeling that an item holds. The damage itself is the story of us and the repair is the resilience we have built throughout our experiences. The mend does not put the item back to its original form but allows structure, support, and reinforcement into weaker areas of fabric. I felt that this was a beautiful metaphor for ourselves and how we bounce back from our hard times with lessons learned and stronger than before.

Throughout this project I researched creative well-being and was heavily inspired by Resilient Stitch by Claire Wellesley-Smith, the word resilient resonated with me so deeply that I began to look at clothes and people not as separated but as symbiotic. We are connected. We wear our clothes every day, they are our protection, we live in them and they hold us through every second. The idea that something that is so close to you can be discarded due to damage is heartbreaking. Through mending, not only do you have an outlet to create resilience in your clothes, but you also have a way of connecting with your body through your hands, bringing the focus back to yourself and away from the spiraling thoughts in your head. This was the greatest gift I could ever have given myself – an activity that not only holds sustainable values with a rich history but also something to build resilience and resistance to anxious thoughts through mindful mending. This is why I created a zine including information on creative and sustainable well-being as well as workshop proposals to promote these practices. I feel there is a real future for community-led creative well-being and sustainability will always be a collaborative effort.

Which repair techniques are you using and why?

I like to use a variety of techniques as different items and materials respond differently to different repairs. For tears in shirts or jeans, I use a scrap fabric patch secured with either hand or machine embroidery. I use hand darning or a “speedweve” darning loom for items like socks as I find it holds better, but can be quite time-consuming for bigger holes. This is where I had to find a solution as my goal was to be able to do repairs on a bigger scale for more people through my studio PATCH’D. Darning and speedweving is just weaving on a smaller scale which is where the idea to bring my woven fabrics and my previous work in making patches came together. I found that I could felt my lambswool woven patches over the holes on jumpers which was significantly quicker than the darning I had been doing and was just as effective! It meant that I could continue to weave and apply that skill to my mending, meaning I could fix more woolen jumpers than before in a shorter period of time.

Three white women in their 20s sit in a group mending

The Repair Hub at Green Grads, London Design Festival

How did you learn the techniques you use in your work?

Hand darning came to me very naturally – it felt like something that I just intuitively knew and the same with the patching and running stitch. I had seen people on TikTok use a speedweve and, with my experience of weaving, I was able to pick that up quickly too. When it came to the feltin, I had only used an embellisher machine which does the same job but on a bigger scale. Using the embellisher was great as it meant I could mend all different fabrics with the woven patches, but hand-felting works best with wool.

The reverse of the previously seen blue sleeve with a pink and purple woven patch

How do your repairs change the function or story of the object?

What I love most about the repairs is that it tells us that the item has been lived in and the repair is a mark of this, a story of adventure and experience that has been lived through in the clothing item. I also feel that a patch can give us an opportunity to add a bit of ourselves and express something depending on the colors and materials we use which I quite enjoy.

A rusty-colored sock darned in yellow and gray.

How visible or invisible is the repair and why is that important?

My mends are always visible, I like that you can see that the item is cared for and cherished to the point of keeping it alive for longer through repair. And again, the idea of being able to express ourselves through our clothes is vital – what we are wearing is often the first thing people know about us. Mending is a perfect opportunity for self-expression whether it is through a patch or a darn, we get to choose and adapt how our clothes look. Adding a mend is also a way of making our clothes unique to us – no-one will have the exact same mend as you and that gives our clothes their own identity parallel to ours and I believe this increases our care and love for them. It is ours and no one will ever have this exact piece now it has been mended.

A green sock darned in yellow

How have people reacted to this project or body of work?

I have been so fortunate to receive such positive feedback to my work, I have been told that the woven patches for mending are especially beautiful and unique, which is exactly what I wanted. People have found that it only adds more personality to the items and I have even had people ask if they can have patches on their clothes even if they don’t have a damaged item, which I am happy to do as it means they will cherish that item for longer. It’s made me feel so excited for the future potential of my work. After leaving university, it had been very difficult to be optimistic about my practice with all the uncertainty of what I was going to do. Green Grads gave me just the boost of confidence I needed in my work – talking to so many lovely creatives and celebrating my work with them really helped me to see just how wonderful the work I am doing is.

Two white women in their 20s and an Asian man, sit in a group mending clothes.

The Repair Hub at Green Grads, London Design Festival

How do you feel opinions towards mending and repair are changing?

After displaying my work at Green Grads and having such amazing feedback from so many people and opportunities come from it, I can’t help but believe that there is a big mending and repair community that I am about to step into. Not only are people looking more to mending and repair for sustainable reasons, but also financial reasons, with the cost of living crisis, and as a counter to the despair and disconnection people experienced during the pandemic. The aesthetic of mending is also on the rise alongside “DIY fashion,” and I truly believe it has emerged from these times of stress into a viable alternative that helps to relieve the stress itself.

A pink woollen sweater mended with a woven pink and purple patch.

What do you think the future holds for repair?

I believe repair will always be essential. I think, with time, there will be a greater push for consumer education when it comes to sustainability and, with the vast access to information the younger generations have, they will have more opportunities to learn this quicker than we did before. Community and collaboration are key to this movement – supporting one another and learning from one another will take us a long way. I am aware that social media has its downsides, but I think, used in the right way, it can create a strong sense of community between like-minded people and offer a great way to share techniques and practices, making them super accessible. I am also led to believe that sustainability is at the forefront of so many people’s minds now, especially in the creative sector, so I think mending and repair not only has a rich history, but a richer future – perhaps in ways we have not explored or know yet, and to me that’s the most exciting part!

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Katie Treggiden is a purpose-driven journalist, author and, podcaster championing a circular approach to design – because Planet Earth needs better stories. She is also the founder and director of Making Design Circular, a program and membership community for designer-makers who want to join the circular economy. With 20 years’ experience in the creative industries, she regularly contributes to publications such as The Guardian, Crafts Magazine and Monocle24 – as well as being Editor at Large for Design Milk. She is currently exploring the question ‘can craft save the world?’ through an emerging body of work that includes her fifth book, Wasted: When Trash Becomes Treasure (Ludion, 2020), and a podcast, Circular with Katie Treggiden.

Attention, Arts and Crafts Enthusiasts: NMAI’s Native Art Market Is Back This Weekend

By in Native

Attention, Arts and Crafts Enthusiasts: NMAI’s Native Art Market Is Back This Weekend

Attention, Arts and Crafts Enthusiasts: NMAI’s Native Art Market Is Back This WeekendAttention, Arts and Crafts Enthusiasts: NMAI’s Native Art Market Is Back This Weekend

Lovers of art, craftsmanship and all things creative: make your way down to Bowling Green on Saturday, December 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the National Museum of the American Indian’s (NMAI) annual Native Art Market. The market will feature traditional and contemporary artworks by award-winning Indigenous artists from across the Americas, with mediums including jewelry, paintings, photography, pottery and sculpture. Attendees will also get to enjoy live acoustic guitar by Jesse Alan Horn (Potawatomi) and DJ Jonray (Laguna/Acoma Pueblo).

The market is free to enter and will be set up in the rotunda on the museum’s main floor. In addition to purchasing beautiful handmade creations (gift-buying procrastinators, take note!), you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about Indigenous art and creativity at the museum, which is free and open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tags: native art market, nmai

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