People have turned to different entertainment methods during Governor Wolf’s “Stay-At-Home” order, including puzzles and games, and binge-watching tv shows and movies. However, some IUP students and professors are asking the public to help them with a participatory art project.
IUP announced that Sharon Massey and Sean Derry, faculty members of the Department of Art and Design have put together kits for what they are calling “The Quarantine Companion” project. Each of the kits contains a needle, thread, googly eyes and instructions on how to make your own companion. Teens and adults are encouraged to take part, and use old clothing or rags to make the “companions”. Once the crafting is complete, the idea is to share a picture of the companion in a virtual exhibition that will be featured on the Sculpture Support System website.
The project’s goal is to mitigate some of the negative complex emotions that people may be feeling in the wake of the coronavirus epidemic. In a news release, Massey said that “the act of gathering materials from your home and hand-stitching an object with personal significance reaffirms the value of art in our lives.” The idea came about when students returned from Spring Break on March 16th and face-to-face classes were suspended.
If you are interested in taking part, you can send your mailing address to SculptureHotline@gmail.com. For more information on the project, log on to www.sculpturesupportsystem.org
Comments