Call for Entry

City Gallery at Waterfront Park,

Charleston, South Carolina

Call for Entry

“Mermaids and Merwomen in Black Folklore”

Cookie Washington - Curator

This call for entry is seeking art quilts and art dolls inspired by the folklore and visual history of the black mermaid archetype. Some of the first tales of mermaids and merwomen were brought to America by Africans enslaved along the coast of South Carolina. Black mermaids traveled with enslaved Africans from Yoruba to distant lands, comforting them in the holds of the slave ships that took them far away from their homeland in Africa. Known by other names, her traditions continue in the countries to which her people were dispersed. Because of the rich oral traditions of these peoples, few if any of these stories were written down until they were recorded by collectors of folk tales toward the end of the 19th century.

You are invited to share your visual interpretation of these myths by creating a Black Mermaid/Merwoman in an art doll or art quilt. Mermaids and Merwomen in Black Folklore with be on view at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park in Historic Charleston, SC from August 28 through October 28, 2012.

I can think of no better venue for an exhibition of Black Mermaid art quilts and art dolls than the City Gallery at Waterfront Park in the historic city of Charleston, SC.
 

 
For more information, contact, and entry form:
Cookie Washington, Curator
Mermaids and Merwomen in Black Folklore

720 Shelley Rd.

, Suite "B"
Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: 843.259.8108
Email:cookiesews1960@gmail.com

Many people carry the mermaid energy inside them, that otherworldly beauty, a longing and desire that makes them reach for heaven though they may feel they live in the darkness of the sea.”

The city of Charleston is exhibiting this show for two months and it will be one of the featured visual arts exhibits for the MOJA  African American Arts Festival now in it's 30th year.

 

An 8" X 8" full color, 120-page catalogue/book will accompany the exhibit. Twenty-five pieces will be featured with a full-page photo and paired with an original poem written for his special project. Remaining entries will be featured with just a photo. One free copy of the book will be given to each participating artist. Books will also be available for purchase at the reception.  CityGalleryatWaterfrontPark.com

Please create a piece for this show, and share the call to entry for this show with other members of your circles whose work you admire? Remember the Call for Entry will be July, 23rd.

Completed work will need to be in by August 15th for inclusion in the book of quilts and poetry, that will be published as part of the show.  The exhibit will be at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park in the historic city of Charleston, SC from Aug. 28th thru Oct 28th, 2012. 

 

The beautiful City Gallery at Waterfront Park is in the oldest historic district of the city of Charleston. It is a huge 2 story glass art gallery which is why I can accept 100? or more pieces for the show depending on the size of the art quilts and up to 10 art dolls.

 

If you choose to become a participating artist  in Mermaids and Merwomen in Black Folklore and choose to travel to Charleston, SC for the exhibition, the weekend of September 7th and 8th would be the weekend to come to this show if you are an out of towner.

 

September 7th, Friday is Yemaya's Feast Day. I will be hosting an invite only party to celebrate/honor her and we may "take it to the water..". Please let me know if you would like to attend this event.

 

The talented, mystical Arianne King Comer, has agreed to teach a Batik class for visiting artists and guild members. Arianne grows Indigo seeds in God's earth, harvests it and turns it into indigo dye, then she creates batik art. She is willing to teach a class Friday afternoon and a full day class Saturday morning and afternoon. If interested in the class please send notice ASAP.

 

Saturday, Sept 8th  from 6 to 8 pm is the Artists Reception at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park.

There will be live music,  refreshments and over 400 guests will be invited.

 

The Cultural Affairs Dept in the city of Charleston, SC, said if we had an early enough head count they may be able to secure discounts on hotel rooms. If any of your guilds or families are coming please let me know.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

 

“Mermaids and Merwomen in Black Folklore”
TERMS & REGULATIONS• Open to African American artists in the United States,
Mexico and Canada, age 16 and up.
• Entries must be an original quilt, quilt hanging, or
afro-centric doll created in the last three years. Work
must not have been previously exhibited nationally in the last 5 years.
• Quilts or dolls made from a kit, commercial pattern,
or in a workshop with the aid of an instructor are
ineligible.
• Quilts must be multi-layered and finished with
stitching. Integration of non-fabric embellishments,
such as beads and stones, is acceptable and
encouraged.
Entries must be in keeping with the theme
“Mermaids and Merwomen in Black Folklore.” Please review text
at the end of application for suggestions.• Applicant must submit  Jpegs of art, bio, fee and application for jury process by

July 23, 2012.
Your $25 entry fee allows an artist to submit up to two
entries.
Entry fee is paid by USPS Money order, or check,
no credit cards can be accepted at this time.
We are sorry for any inconvenience.
Make checks or Money Orders payable to:

Torreah Washington,

720 Shelley Rd.

Suite “B”
Charleston, SC 29407