The Cup of Comfort community art project, initiated by artists Laura Morrison and Gail Smuda, addresses the mental health crisis exacerbated by Covid-19. Through embroidery kits featuring a cup motif, participants foster self-care while stitching and contemplating on what brings them comfort.
WCA/NH artists are invited to interpret "COMFORT" IN ANY MEDIUM, using a cup image provided as the starting point for inspiration. This exhibition expands on the “Cup of Comfort” community art project, initiated by artists Laura Morrison and Gail Smuda.
Limited to the first 20 WCA/NH artists entering: Deadline to participate is Mon Apr 15, 2024. You do not need to have finished work to enter. Use any kind of image to serve as a placeholder! DOWNLOAD PROSPECTUS & CUP IMAGES
DOWNLOAD FULL PROSPECTUS & CUP IMAGES
WCA/NH Exhibition Prospectus
Cup of Comfort Invitational Exhibit
Library Arts Center, West Gallery, Newport, NH
THE CUP OF COMFORT PROJECT: Background Information
WCA artists Laura Morrison and Gail Smuda have collaborated for over 15 years as the Loosely Knit Alliance (LKA) creating a variety of mixed media works and installations.
Their current project, The Cup of Comfort Project, is a community art project launched in 2023. The project was conceived as a response to the escalating national mental health crisis which was exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and continues in its aftermath.
The primary objective of the project is to promote self-care and provide comfort through the therapeutic act of stitching. Embroidery kits were created with a cup image sketched on soft flannel. Participants who purchase the kit are invited to take a moment to reflect on the things that bring them solace and reassurance. Then they embark on their own personal journey to design and create their own Cup of Comfort embroidery project. While stitching they are encouraged to take the opportunity to contemplate additional ways to nurture and support themselves in a positive manner. After the work is completed, they are invited to take a photo and share it on Instagram. 50% of the sales are donated to a NH mental health non-profit. See the Cup of Comfort Kit and project examples on Instagram: at loosely_knit_alliance
CALL TO PARTICIPATE: Cup of Comfort Exhibition
WCA/NH artists are invited to express their creativity, drawing inspiration from the theme of COMFORT and working in ANY medium using the Cup of Comfort image as the starting point for artistic inspiration. The provided cup image (refer to images on page 3) should be seamlessly incorporated into the artwork in some way, allowing artists the freedom to modify it as they see fit.
For this exhibition, the LKA is thrilled to collaborate with the Library Arts Center in Newport, NH, and the Women’s Caucus for Art: New Hampshire Chapter (WCA/NH) to expand the scope of the Cup of Comfort project. This initiative aims to foster positive actions and ideas that contribute to the promotion of good mental health.
Scheduled to take place from August 9 to October 4, 2024, the exhibition will be mounted in the West Gallery at the Library Arts Center. Simultaneously, Laura Morrison and Gail Smuda will be presenting their collaborative and personal artworks in a two-women show in the main gallery. The West Gallery will be exclusively dedicated to the WCA/NH Cup of Comfort Exhibition and Community Art Project, creating a space for thoughtful artistic exploration, expression and outreach.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Commitment to Participate Deadline: Monday, April 15, 2024
Limited to the first 20 artists who register
• It is understood that artists are committing to create work for the exhibition will not have an image of the artwork before they enter. Use any kind of image to serve as a placeholder when you enter.
Exhibition Dates: August 9-October 4, 2024
Artist Art Share: Saturday, May 18 from 1-3 pm at Twiggs Gallery, 254 King Street, Boscawen
• Come and share your work in progress and talk about the project with participating artists. Refreshments will be served
Drop-Off at Library Arts Center: Tues July 30 and Wed July 31 from 11-3 pm
Opening Reception: Fri Aug 9 from 5-7 pm
Note: Additional events during the exhibition in are the planning stages. Details TBA
Pick-up: Tue Oct 8 and Wed Oct 9 from 11-3 pm
ENTRY DETAILS:
Eligibility: Open to WCA/NH artists
• Limited to the first 20 artists who commit to creating one piece for the exhibition based on the criteria. The artwork does not have to be completed before entering. It is understood that artists are committing to create work for the exhibition and will not have an image of the artwork before they enter. Use any kind of image to serve as a placeholder when you enter.
Note: If more than 20 artists want to participate, a waiting list will be created. More artists may be accepted based on the size of the works submitted and available space in the West Gallery. Please contact Laura Morrison at laura.morrison@nationalwca.org to be placed on the waiting list.
Fee: $20 Entry Fee (Split 50% WCA/ 50% to a mental health charity TBD)
• It is understood that artists are committing to create work for the exhibition and will not have an image of the artwork before they enter. Use any kind of image to serve as a placeholder when you enter.
• When your piece is finished, please send a hi res image of your work to Laura Morrison at laura.morrison@nationalwca.org
Entry Portal: https://wcanh-cupofcomfort.artcall.org
Questions? Contact Laura Morrison at laura.morrison@nationalwca.org or 603-731-6850
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Library Arts Center
Location: 58 N. Main Street, Newport, NH 03773
Website: https://libraryartscenter.org
Instagram: @libraryartscenter
Facebook: Library Arts Center
Gallery Hours: Tues -Fri. 11:00am-4:00 pm, Sat 10:00am-2:00 pm
Loosely Knit Alliance
Website: http://www.lauramorrisonart.com/loosely-knit-alliance.html
Instagram: loosely_knit_alliance
Facebook: Loosely Knit Alliance
Exhibition Terms: Artists set their own prices. Commission is 30% for the gallery / 70% Artist. Works do not have to be for sale. Artists will receive payment for sold works when the exhibition closes.
Insurance: Up to $2500 for each work while hanging in the gallery
Artwork Specifications/Restrictions: Exceptions to these all of these restrictions may be made, but only with the prior approval of Laura Morrison who will consult with the Library Arts Center for approval.
No video or ceiling hung work
3-D Artwork/Installations
- Small works must be able to fit comfortably on a 13” x 13” pedestal.
2-D Artwork
- No larger than 40” h x 24” w, framed
- Framed artwork must be wired for hanging. Pastels, prints and watercolors should be framed under glass or plexiglass. Mats must be cleanly cut and free of dirt and debris. Glass surfaces must be clean.
- Artwork on stretched canvas must either be framed or the edges must be gallery-wrapped and nicely finished with no visible staples.
- Please affix labels with name, title and price to the back or bottom of the artwork.
