Thinking about 'Structures'

Happy New Year!

I hope all SAQA - Atlantic Canada members are now giving some thought to creating one or two pieces to enter in the Structures show. I have done my share of pondering and sketching and am close to knowing the basics of each of my two pieces. The next step is to consider how they will be constructed. At this point it is critical to review the guidelines in the call for entry.

Here are some important considerations, with quotes from the guidelines:

• Size restrictions: work must fit within the boundaries of 30” wide by 48” long format.

This is a serious issue. We need to have a fixed size so that we can provide the juror some guidance about how many pieces he can accept, based on the size of the galleries. As you contemplate your piece, give some thought in advance to how you are going to finish the edges - border, binding, facing. Some of those decisions will increase the width and length and may force you to go back to the drawing board.

• All artwork must have a 4” sleeve across the top on the back for hanging; an additional sleeve at the bottom is recommended. The sleeve should stop 3/4” short of the side edges so that the rod will not show. The top edge of the sleeve should be placed 1” to 2” from the top of the work. DO NOT SHIP RODS WITH YOUR PIECES, venues will provide these, as needed.

We will be hanging the show ourselves in most of the venues. It is important that we have a standard approach to hanging each piece. For most of you, the standard sleeve and rod system will not create a challenge. But if you are going to use transparency or are going to stretch the boundaries of the definition of a quilt in other ways you should consider how you can incorporate a hanging system. By the way, I have asked Regina whether it will be alright to mount your piece on a piece of stretched canvas. I will pass along her answer as soon as I have it.

• 3-D, freestanding, and dimensional works will not be considered for this exhibit; in addition, the artwork may not contain any parts or materials that may damage other pieces in the shipping container.

We will be transporting the quilts ourselves from site to site. It is unlikely that they will be returned to their mailing packaging but will be carefully stacked on top of one another in a box. That is why you will not be able to attach something to the surface of your quilt that might damage another piece. Beyond that, please consider that if your art quilt is juried into the show it will travel for up to two years. If you can find a way to use robust materials and construction techniques your piece will hold up better to the vagaries of hanging and moving.