our clothesline
My blogs
| Industry | Non-Profit |
|---|---|
| Location | chattanooga, tn, United States |
| Introduction | Our Clothesline Art Show takes place in an historic home in St. Elmo, TN. In contrast to a gallery setting, we have chosen as our venue a distinctive historic home thereby setting a casual and welcoming tone. While intriguing and even elegant, the venue is not striving for pristine presentation with perfect lighting, etc. The format of a clothesline art show traditionally offers fine quality art in simple presentation mats rather than full frames. This permits artists to sell works at affordable prices and for buyers to frame the presentation of artworks in any manner they prefer. Our emphasis is upon productivity and not expensively framed presentation of artworks. Without costly presentation, the artists price their artworks reasonably so as to encourage purchase of original artworks by a wider range of visitors. People are better able to collect original art and support local artists in the "clothesline" arrangement. |
| Interests | Our Clothesline Art Show is an association of female artists living in the Chattanooga TN area bound by the common bond of our desire to recognize, nurture and elevate the standard of our art work. We are united in our purpose of providing two exhibition opportunities annually that serve as motivation to produce new original artworks for each show. Faith in Jesus Christ weaves the core group and members together not in subject matter, media, or content but as the foundational meaning and motivation for all we do in all areas of our lives. |
| Favorite Movies | Our Clothesline Art Show artists find the parallel of the clotheslines' domestic purpose intriguing. The clothesline format allows for a quality exhibit in a casual venue while connecting the concept of women being domestic workers as well as artists. The literal clotheslines with clothespins have in common the "line to hold our work", both creative and domestic. Our Clothesline Art Show artists find the parallel of the clotheslines' domestic purpose intriguing. The clothesline format allows for a quality exhibit in a casual venue while connecting the concept of women being domestic workers as well as artists. The literal clotheslines with clothespins have in common the "line to hold our work", both creative and domestic. |
| Favorite Music | Our Clothesline Art Show began as a group of female artists who knew each other through church and community. The women's art group started meeting in 1994 as a social group. The size of our group changed according to the needs and interest of the women involved. We assembled to talk about being females, artists, and Christians. We studied other artists who were women. This became encouragement and support that had previously not existed in each person's life. In the late 1990's the original group shared studio space in St. Elmo. We had two small scale art exhibits at the Chattanooga Christian School Art Gallery. This lasted for 2 years. We each tried varieties of studio and working arrangements yet were not exhibiting our artworks consistently. In 2007 Laura Pettit made the bold step to initiate Our Clothesline Art Show. She and her husband Jim opened their home as the first venue for Our Clothesline Art Show. Their home, The Sessions House at 113 Ochs Highway at the foot of Lookout Mountain was the site for our first 3 bi-annual art shows in May 2007, September 2007, and May 2008. The September 2008 exhibit will be in the home of Michael and Maria Cardillo at 4401 St. Elmo Avenue. |
| Favorite Books | Laura Pettit, Maria Cardillo and Lauren Leutwiler are the remaining original members of the Women's Art Group. Linda Thomas joined the group in 2006. These women are joined by Katie Knutson and Cat Collier in composing the Board of Our Clothesline Art Show. Decisions are made by the Board which is comprised of the four original women artists and the two younger artists. This pairing of the range of experience with technological expertise represented by the younger women has created a "core of compliments". The tasks are shared for administration, publicity, hospitality, and set-up/clean-up based upon our gifting abilities, and interests. The invitation and jury process is handled by the Board who reviews applications to exhibit and critiques and juries submitted artworks. All artists, including the core group, apply for each exhibit and are accepted through the jury process. The group is fluid and flexible in "membership" based upon the nature of women who have families, careers, and situations that may interrupt their making art. The number of exhibiting artists varies for each exhibit. We are an organic, changing group intent upon being accountable to God, to each other and to the creative process. Selected artists exhibit our fine artworks. No craft or "outsider" art is included. Artists present mated drawings, paintings, photographs, collages, silk screen, relief, and etching (original) prints, etc grouped by artist. Pieces are labeled. An artist statement and bio is posted for each artist. Friday evening is the Opening Artist Reception. Saturday and Sunday visitors are invited to view artworks. Art is for sale the entire event yet may not be removed from the show until Sunday afternoon. A cashier works for the event for sales, to answer questions, and greet visitors. The artists will be present for the majority of the weekend event to talk with visitors. Families and children are welcome. |