Kickstarter

Craft Lake City is bringing the handiwork of local artisans to the streets in the form of a walk-able outdoor gallery exhibit titled, “Celebration of the Hand.” Twelve Craft Lake City participants will create outdoor works of art utilizing permanent steel frames (known as plakats) installed adjacent to the sidewalks in downtown Salt Lake City on the north and south sides of Broadway (300 South) between 200 West and 200 East. Artisans will install their works from July 13 to 15, with the show opening on July 20, in conjunction with the Salt Lake Gallery Stroll.   

What is a Plakat? 

Plakat: A German word for a small structure that holds posters. 

Installed in 2007, the plakats are owned by The Temporary Museum of Permanent Change. They are often referred to as "The Windows of the Museum." Past contributors include: The Sundance Film Festival, SpyHop and the Utah Film Center. 

Who are the artists? 

The 12 Utah artisans featured in the "Celebration of the Hand" exhibit are 2012 Craft Lake City participants, who will be exhibiting in the Craft Lake City Festival on August 11, 2012. 

Angela Flicker, Annika Dimeo, Candace Jean Anderson, Carri Wakefield, Eleanor Scholz, Isaac Hastings, Jorge Arellano, Laura Frisk, Tommy Dolph, Michelle Christensen, Nic Annette Miller and Rachelle Smith. 

What kind of pieces are being installed? 

We asked 25 Craft Lake City participants to submit proposals for the “Celebration of the Hand” plakat project. Working with the The Temporary Museum of Permanent Change, the proposals were juried down to 12 artisans chosen to show. The mediums are varied: illustrations, wood carvings, giant metal circular frames, installations intended to create playful shadows on the sidewalk, a colorful crocheted display and an interactive quilt with pockets that passersby will be able to put small mementos inside of—all are examples of the work expected to be exhibited.

Why should you donate?

Participants are donating their time for the creation and installation of the works and we do not want them to carry the financial burden for their materials alone. We need your support to ensure that the artisans do not have to pay out-of-pocket for the cost of their plakat supplies. 

“Celebration of the Hand” is an exciting opportunity for artisans to not only get their work seen by thousands of new viewers, but it’s also a chance for them to beautify the streets of the city in which they live. We are confident that their creations will spark imaginations and inspire creativity amongst the community. The Plakat installations will be free for anyone to view and interact with, and can be seen 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout summer and early fall.   

Why should I donate if I don’t live in Salt Lake City? 

The concept behind the “Celebration of the Hand” exhibit is not just about Salt Lake City. It is our goal that through learning about our project, you too will be inspired to create—regardless of your locale. We implore you to share your vision of handmade within your community, wherever you may be.  Let’s celebrate the art of creating by hand, all around the world!

What is Craft Lake City? 

The Craft Lake City festival is an annual outdoor celebration of Utah’s DIY handmade culture. Held yearly in August at the Gallivan Center in Salt Lake City, the festival features over 200 local artisans and DIY Engineers, along with live entertainment that includes demonstrations, street performers, musical acts and local food vendors. Throughout the year, Craft Lake City organizes various events to keep the community active and aware of the local DIY culture and continues its support of local artisans through workshops, demonstrations, gallery shows and fundraisers. Craft Lake City was started in 2009 by Angela H. Brown, editor and publisher of SLUG Magazine, as a way to showcase the DIY community across the state. For more information about Craft Lake City check out craftlakecity.com, like us on Facebook (facebook.com/Craft.Lake.City) and follow us on Twitter (@craftlakecity). 

Who is Craft Lake City?

http://craftlakecity.com/contact

What is The Temporary Museum of Permanent Change?

The Temporary Museum of Permanent Change is a community based, participatory project that uses the ever-changing development processes underway in Salt Lake City as catalysts to animate city life. The Museum engages a variety of audiences using a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach that includes performance art and video production, visual art, urban archaeology, anthropology, local history, existing businesses and ongoing deconstruction and construction processes as spectacles for people of all ages. Together these elements provide teachable moments in our efforts to manage and celebrate change. This Museum has no specific address. Rather it is a construction of ideas, installations and illuminations that comprise a new way of seeing our city. 

When will the exhibit open?

The participants are already busily building, sewing and creating their works for exhibition. Artisans will install their works of art from July 13 to 15, with the show opening on July 20, in conjunction with the Salt Lake Gallery Stroll.   

 We need your financial assistance in order to make this project successful. If you are unable to contribute but would still like to help, copy and paste this link into an email and share this campaign on Facebook and Twitter. Help us “Celebrate the Hand!”

Craft Lake City needs your support, donate now! Thanks!