I am so pleased to be included in Todd Jannausch‘s newest project, Gallery (206).   The “gallery” is a repurposed telephone booth which includes 19 panels of original artworks, original music in the handset and a “phonebook” of 206 Seattle Artists.

Gallery (206) in Occidental Park

I just love this installation/gallery – it’s so surprising and elegant.  When I went to find the gallery myself, it was tucked behind another artist’s set up for First Thursday.  From 10 paces it looks just like a clean, well-kept, um, phone booth.  As I got closer then inside the space, I sensed how carefully this work was assembled, both physically and from a curatorial perspective.

Jannausch’s last curatorial/rouge gallery project, Gallery 40, was also a diminutive gallery showcasing 40 artists in an unexpected and delightful way.  I deeply appreciate Jannausch’s “Art for All” approach to showing important works.  I get to show and see works I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to.  In his words:

In the end, Gallery 40 was never a gallery at all. It was just a 4’x10’ sheet of plywood, some old caster wheels and a few car batteries. It was your imagination and love of creativity that made it a gallery, and therefore made it a special place to share, support and participate in the conversation about ideas and art.

Look for Gallery (206) Project in Occidental Park next time you’re in Pioneer Square.

The new phone book is here....

I am busy, busy, getting projects together that I will show this summer.  I’m continuing in work that is inspired by natural design (nests, eggs, plants, sheep, bugs…) and look forward to showing my work at a few outdoor festivals (my favorite!).

n e s t

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am creating kinetic sculpture. It’s very new and challenging for me, but quite exciting.  I will document my progress here.  Please check back often.  Also, below you will find a list of my upcoming exhibitions.  I’d love to see you this summer.

I am also happy to announce that I am working on my first book.  I am writing a children’s book called, “Hey, Where’d You Get That Sweater?”  It’s a picture book following the thread (!) from sheep to sweater (could possibly become “… Get Those Socks – we’ll see how much yarn we get from our harvest!).  I’m especially thrilled that I get to work on this project with my family.

s h e e p s h e a r

Additionally, I am doing some teaching/assisting this summer.  I am teaching a workshop in kinetic sculpture at Northstar Junior High in June and get to assist amazing artist and teacher Erin Shafkind in the week-long teen camp, Plush Soft Sculpture, at Gage Academy.  There are still a few spaces – check it out.

Looking ahead to this fall, I get to move into my own classroom at Meadowbrook Cooperative Preschool.  I am very excited to get to work with a young population on a regular, long-term basis.  I have a year’s worth of fun, creative projects to do with the kids.  If you live in Seattle and have young children, I would love to visit with you about our preschool.  Please feel free to contact me.

Thanks for visiting : )

Wyly

Upcoming Exhibitions:

Occidental Park – Seattle, WA – June, 2011
Conceptualized and curated by Todd Jannausch
Gallery (206) Project
– “Community Collaboration” of 206 Artists

Georgetown Carnival – Seattle, WA – June 11, 2011
Blue Dandelions
– Fiber Sculpture Installation

Smoke Farm – Arlington, WA – Seattle, WA – August 13, 2011
Lo-Fi Festival
Red Dragonflies
– 24-Hour Fiber Sculpture Installation

Camp Long – Seattle, WA – August 20 – 21, 2011
Nature Consortium’s Arts-in-Nature Festival
Cardinal Meadowhawks
– Site-Specific Fiber Sculpture Installation

A ton of fun was had Saturday during our Seattle Art Museum Family Fun! Nick Cave event.  Erin Shafkind and I (and our fabulous team of volunteers!) took 60 or so folks through the Nick Cave exhibit then headed to the studio to make plushies and puppets and all sorts of other fabulously amazing things.

While we were touring the galleries I loved seeing the reactions on the children’s faces and hearing their impressions, but I really loved watching the interactions among the families during the studio time.

I also LOVED that we got invaded not once but twice during our studio time!  The first time the Soundsuit dancers came through by themselves. The children and their families were absolutely delighted, but then half an hour later they came through again with a klezmerish jazz ensemble in tow.  It positively made my day.

Looking forward to more Nick Cave fun and to teaching my next art workshop.  I get to teach a kinetic sculpture workshop at Northstar Junior high.  I would love to teach a class or workshop at your child’s school.  Just holler!

I am so honored to be mentioned in artist Mandy Greer’s blog, A Quickening….

You can check out her beautiful blog and see some images and words she shared about my dandelion installation (scroll down a bit).

http://aquickening.wordpress.com/

Thanks for visiting.

-Wyly

I recently started work on my next installation. I am making a lot of dragonflies.

Frankly, I set out to make beetles, however, the beetles most pleasing to me are not native to the Pacific Northwest.   It’s important to me to have a native insect for this project as it will be installed as part of this year’s Nature Consortium’s Art’s in Nature Festival.  I also wanted to choose a bug that is beautiful and one that has a useful, integral role in its habitat.

I started my search for a new bug at the Seattle Bug Safari.  There I found Insects of the Pacific Northwest, a book filled with gorgeous images and straightforward information.  I also found out that if you make a purchase at the gift shop, you will receive a two for one coupon for entry to the actual bug zoo.

Specifically, I have chosen to model this new work after the Cardinal Meadowhawk – a spendidly scarlet NW native.  I am playing with steel and ruby fabric so far – we’ll see what else emerges.

This is my first foray into kinetic work.  Here’s a quick peek at Sketch #1.  More to come.

Thanks for visiting.

-w

I want to make a Soft-D out of your child’s artwork. What’s that? Check out my recent new etsy item @ HorsepowerStudio.etsy.com. Thanks!

Today I’m going to finish my work for the festival. 3 days before the event? Unprecendented!!! Come out w/the kids!
http://tiny.cc/s8wt5

Hi there –  

I just opened my new Etsy shop.  I am using Etsy to show and sell my designs for children.  I have costumes, clothing, toys and gifts for kids.  You can find me at HorsepowerStudio.etsy.com.

Also, please visit me at the Gig Harbor Summer Arts Festival on July 18 & 19th. I’ll be there hosting a kid’s tent.  I’m bringing four super cute sewing kits for kids to make.

Hope you have a great day.

-w

Save the Date! I’m at the Gig Harbor Summer Arts Fest July 18 & 19th. I’m bringing four super cute sewing kits for kids to make.