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The Soft Shop's creation was the result of the collaborative efforts and donations of many fellow artists and non-artists. From building sessions, to crafting circles, to workshops and lectures, the Soft Shop thrived on open group participation. Below is the Soft Shop's call for entries, schedule of events, and list of known contributors and donors.
The Soft Shop wants you to add your fiber arts and handicrafts to the collaborative soft sculpture that will cover the walls, floor, and ceiling of the shanty. It is like a three-dimensional quilt, using many different textures, fabrics, patterns, shapes, and designs. Quilting has a long tradition of being a communal activity, with each piece holding its own story. We hope that many different people will contribute to this sculpture, by sending a unique and interesting piece of fabric, an embroidery, a screenprint, a drawing on cloth, a soft sculpure, a de/re/constructed stuffed animal, bizzarre sock puppetry, weaving etc......
Want to participate? Send us something small, 2d or 3d. Submissions and/or loans may be mailed directly to us - e-mail thesoftshop[at]gmail[dot]com for details. We may also be able to do pick-ups in the Chicago area. The next deadline for submissions (for the Version '07 installation) is late April.
Workshop: Soft Shop Sundays - Sundays 3, 10 and 17 December
The Soft Shop will be hosting three Chicago workshops to create and collect submissions for our interior space before we pack up for Medicine Lake. Soft Shop Sundays will run the first three Sundays of December, with offerings of fabric printing, crochet, embroidery and a host of other crafting techniques. All are welcome, refreshments and technical assistance will be provided. E-mail thesoftshop[at]gmail[dot]com for directions.
Workshop: Open Studio - Ongoing through January and February
Whenever we're not in a workshop or hosting another event, the Soft Shop crew is available to assist and facilitate visitors with the realization of their craft projects. Participants can also use studio time to finish projects started during our workshop sessions. The Soft Shop is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11am-5pm as well as some weekday nights. E-mail thesoftshop[at]gmail[dot]com for updates.
Event: Art Shanty Projects Opening - Friday 13 January
Come see the unveiling of the Soft Shop along with 20 other shanties, the Art Car taxi service, and tours by the Medicine Lake Gentlemen's Research Society.
Shanty Talk: Ice Physics - Saturday 27 January
In You Think You Know Ice?, Ilana Percher discusses some of the unusual properties of ice and its many crystalline forms. Lectures at 12:30, 2:00, 3:30 and 5:00pm, hosted by the Warming Shanty.
Workshop: Weird Crochet, Beard Crochet - Sunday 28 January
Aay Preston-Myint leads an experimental workshop in which attendees will explore the possibilities of creating their own freestyle crochet patterns in the forms of warmth-giving beards, moustaches, masks or other shapes of their choosing. Some previous knowledge of crochet is helpful, but not necessary to attend. No facial hair required.
Workshop: Ice Dancing Costumes - Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 February
The Ice Dancing Costume Workshop will be held one week before the OurBrr Shanty's Ice Dancing Hoedown and Throwdown on February 10th. The Soft Shop crew will be on hand to assist dancers with machine sewing, hand sewing, needlecrafts and embellishment for their costume design. All Ice Dancers are encouraged, but not obliged to display their costumes at the Soft Shop in full or part. Workshop runs from 12-5pm both days. Participants of the past weekend's freestyle crochet workshop (see above) are encouraged to use their skills here. Any finishing touches or embellishments may be done before the competition on February 10th.
Workshop: Pimp My Snowsuit - Sunday 11 February
A workshop for all those who would like to think that fashion and function need not be strangers. Techniques covered include beadwork, embroidery, applique and screenprinting. Workshop runs from 12-5pm.
Shanty Talk: Nomadology - Saturday 17 February
“Nomad to Flaneur: Thoughts on movement in build environment, or; Bodies without organs and the places they live.” In this Shanty Talk, Charles Vinz will present some examples and history of nomadic and kinetic architecture. The Soft Shop's design draws inspiration from both of these architectural traditions. Lecture at 3:00, hosted by the Warming Shanty
Event: Blanket Book - Saturday 17 Feburary
Rebecca Grady presents Fall Into A Good Book, a warm and social sculptural space on the ice. All day outside the Soft Shop.
the Art Shanty Projects organizers, artists and visitors
Ayla Zeimer and the Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
Andrea Fritsch
Marian Runk
Theaster Gates
Kevin Womac and Boulevard Bikes
Graham Stephenson
Jennifer Brandel
Barbara Laub
Bill Hannigan
Adam Ring
Rachel Dobkin
Sarah Miller
Ed Marszewski, Matt Mallooly, Ringo and Moron Village
Anja Moen
Margaret Cunningham
Luke Andreoni
Sung Pae
Nick Travanty
Mary Grady
Tessa Shanks
Casey Droege
Mary Ellen Vinz
Erin Foley
Ken Camden
Chris & Meejay
Sonoscan
Version Festival
Reversible Eye