A New Take on the Group Show
The group show is the backbone of the art world. From the Paris Salon of the 18th century, to the Biennials and art fairs of the 21st century, artists have benefitted from being part of a broader conversation about art and of being shown alongside their peers.
Sometimes these ensemble casts are juried. Sometimes curated. Cuts are made to fit a space or to hone a theme. ArtsWestchester’s exhibition program is built on curated thematic group shows, featuring Hudson Valley region artists whose works advance thoughtfulness about topics that resonate within the community. In recent years, the organization has explored themes such as the contemporary immigrant experience, the construction of gender identity, life in the age of data, and the current state of voting rights in America. For many of these projects, ArtsWestchester’s curatorial department circulates calls for submissions or nominations, seeking uncovered existing works and visions for new works.
Metropolis Sunrise is a monumental 10,000 square foot outdoor textile sculpture constructed by many hands. It will be mounted on ArtsWestchester’s façade beginning in May.
“At first glance, it is a departure from our usual exhibition model,” says Deputy Director Kathleen Reckling. She continues: “But in reality, it is a group show on the grandest, most democratic scale.” Led by artist Amanda Browder, it is a collective community-powered work. Browder explains: “Everybody who comes to the project is part of the piece. It’s not just The Amanda Browder Show.” Every person who has a hand in realizing the work – whether it’s by donating fabric or dollars, or by volunteering their time at a sewing day – joins Browder on the roster of exhibiting artists. With sewing days in Pelham, Yonkers, Scarsdale, Hartsdale, White Plains, Rye and Katonah still to come this month, there are more opportunities to join this community-powered group exhibition. All artists welcome.
Upcoming Sewing Days:
3/1 (11am-4pm): Pelham Art Center, 914-738-2525 ext. 113
3/7 (10:30am-3:30pm): Westchester Children’s Museum, 914-421-5050
3/8 (1pm-6pm): Blue Door Art Center, 914-375-5100
3/14 (11am-4pm): ArtsWestchester with Alliance Française, 914-428-4220
3/15 (10am-1pm): Ethan Allen (Hartsdale store), 914-684-0360
3/19 (5-8pm): Ethan Allen (Hartsdale store), 914-684-0360
3/21 (10am-3pm): Yonkers Riverfront Library, 914-457-1377
3/22 (12:30pm-5pm): Yonkers Riverfront Library, 914-457-1377
3/28 (11am-4pm): Viking Sewing Gallery, 914-725-2273
3/29 (9am-1pm): Katonah Museum of Art, 914-232-9555 ext. 2968
A version of this article first appeared in the March issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.
