Medals for All

The day of the Walker School Dearly Kept Exhibit – from my artist residency there – was the same day that students received medals for reading lots of books.  

In my mind, the medals cold have easily been for the great work they did on this project.  All grades, K-5, participated -- 100 students.  They drew a “cherished” object, wrote about it, then sculpted it out of clay and painted the sculpture.  Here’s a few samples.  (Some drawings are in an earlier post.)

"I cherish my car.  It is cool!"

"My cherished object is a B-B gun.  it is a Red Rider 70th Edition.  Why it means a lot to me is because I got it from a friend."  

"My cherished object is my silver and black TV.  For a long time I couldn't watch TV.  In front of my TV is a place where I can sit down and relax."  

  

"My Grandmaw is my cherished object.  My Grandmaw came from Portugal and speaks Portugese. She is special because she is my Mom's mom."

OK, now gotta go work on my own Dearly Kept.  

Dearly Kept Show Opens April 23!

These are the crazy days prior to a show – exciting and sleepless.   I will be displaying 15 pieces to start with, and hopefully add more over the next couple months.  The pieces are hollow paper objects made in the form of cherished items of Liberty residents.   Each piece is accompanied by a corresponding audio recording made by the owner of the original object – accessible by calling 228-0301.   Best experienced when viewing the exhibit, IMHO.  

Here’s one location – Peavey’s Store -- soon to have a Dearly Kept display amidst the beef jerky and napkins. Can’t wait!

Oh yah – I’ll be having an opening at the Ivan O. Davis Library in downtown Liberty on Saturday, April 23, 5-7 pm.   A number of pieces will be on display there, and throughout town, until mid-June or so. 

Thank you thank you Liberty friends and neighbors.

I am humbled by your willingness to participate.  My intention with the DK is to honor and bring to light the hidden icons of our hearts.   From one community, my town.   

Here's a list of Liberty residents who indulged me to greater or lesser degrees, with this project, and other very helpful people:  (Please forgive if I've forgotten anyone!)

Bud Steeves

Jen Ponder

Mike Ponder

Sue Pelletier

Lou Pelletier

Tony Clark

Everett Peavey

Jennifer Spencer

Barbara Worcester

Elise Brown

Melinda Steeves

Carolyn Steeves

Warren Ard

Danielle Blake

Ruthanne Spence

Norm Fuller

Carrie Peavey

Joe Alex

Jean Alex

Al Crichton

Lorna Crichton

Svea Tulberg

Skip Brack

Dana Phillippi

Carol McGovern

All the students and teachers at Walker School

Sarah Thibodeau

Greg Warren

Cathy Sparrow

John Ascrizzi

Shannon Brown

Kathy Crowley

Kate Valleau

Steve Chapin

Sue Chapin

Laurie Cox

Maine Arts Commission