Margo Little of the Manitoulin Writer’s circle tells me that Cross-pollination 2 was a huge success-more than 200 people at the opening on October 15 and more streaming in over the week-end. I am so sorry I was not able to be there, but my partner Kate Thompson did a fine job of presenting our exhibit. She read my artist’s statement and explained my sculptures and poems as well as read her marvelously funny poem and explained the entire exhibit–rug beaters and all.
“Can you identify this Squartist?
Debajehmujig Theatre Group needs your assistance in identifying the above SQUARTIST last seen squarting in Clover Valley. A SQUARTIST is someone who is both a squatter and an artist. SQUARTISTS creatively inhabit a piece of land for a period of time. SQUARTISTS are not known to be dangerous but may represent themselves as everything from a farmer to a musician in addition to being a SQUARTIST. SQUARTISTS can be of any age and description. Evidence that a SQUARTIST may have occupied a particular space may include but is not limited to the following; rock arrangements indicating intent, mysterious stick structures, and obscure leaf or grass patterns.
If you see the above SQUARTIST please bring her and any other interested parties including yourself to THE 6 FOOT FESTIVAL; LAND, ART, FOOD where there will be an exhibition of all “The 6 Foot Project” SQUARTISTS from Friday November 5-Sunday November 7. Other activities will include workshops, an all ages jamboree, the first annual zucchini’s anonymous meeting, food art competitions, and more! Watch for a full schedule in the Expositor!”
The 6′ by 6′ Project is gathering momentum–a new term has been invented: “squartist”, for squatter and artist–here is one of the posters she is sending out and there will be many more before the opening next week. She has found an old bathing suit, swim goggles, a noodle and other dock accoutrements to go with my “Dock” piece and photographs. Another one I hate to miss–wish I could afford the plane fare to Manitoulin Island. If anyone is going up there be sure to take in both shows.
The book launch is almost upon me – November 2 – I haven’t decided what to read yet, and of course I’m getting edgy about weather, peoples many commitments during this busy autumn and whether there will be a goodly gathering. Ryan Salter’s friend Michael Sharpe is introducing me to social media as a publicity strategy. Is the word out there? Do come and help me celebrate.