What is "the Inclination to Rise?"

Last year HerStory did it's usual tour of Artomatic in support of its participating artists and other women in the arts. It was fantastic, inspiring, and motivating. On that same day, co-curator, Jennifer Judelsohn, hosted "cupcakes and conversation" at her display area. It was there that I saw, "the inclination to rise." It was the theme of Jen's exhibition. As if Jen's work had not always inspired me to think and feel deeply, this theme resonated with me long after I left the event.

This year's theme, "the inclination to rise," is inspired by Jen and her work and its appropriate connection to women. I asked Jen to tell me about theme and these are her words:

"Life is not for the faint of heart. In the natural course of things, everything moves toward a state of entropy, chaos, decay, and death. In my own life, I have dealt with a chronic illness for more than twenty years and have come face to face with this sense of decline.

In the past few years I have began a journey in which I follow the impulses of my body— to rest when it wants to rest, and to move when it wants to move. Often I get up only because I have an “obligation to rise.” On days when I have no such obligation, I have allowed myself the time to rest.

For a while, I thought I would never get up if I did not have a reason. Yet, over time, I have found that I have 'the inclination to rise'...

...a call to spirit to move beyond the ordinary, to rise up in the face of pain, exhaustion, deep fatigue. Though the experience is personal to me, the query is universal: What inspires the soul to rise above the obstacles and challenges and natural propensities of life? Perhaps it is a desire for connection, a curiosity to discover something new, an experience of something inspiring or beautiful, or a sense of adventure. Perhaps it is all of these things and more."

HerStory5 Is Here!!!!

The fifth anniversary of Making HerStory is here! We gearing up and getting ready but we can't do it without you. So we're calling on you:

Call for Art:

“Making HerStory 5: the inclination to rise”

The ThickArt Collaborative, LLC, and Neshama Soulworks Studio, LLC, in conjunction with the Peace & a Cup of Joe Café (Baltimore, Maryland), and Beanetics Coffee Roasters (Annandale, Virginia), and friends, seek submissions for “Making HerStory 5: the inclination to rise.”

Making HerStory celebrates the vast and diverse forms of creativity offered by women artists. Making HerStory highlights art by women in many forms: visual, written and spoken word, and music. This year’s event will mark the fifth annual celebration of women in the arts. In celebration of HerStory’s fifth anniversary, five youth female artists, ages 6-18, will be provided scholarships to participate in this year’s exhibition.

We are seeking submissions of two-dimensional original artwork in any medium that embodies the theme of women’s inclination to rise.” Nude or risqué material will not be accepted. All artwork must be no larger than 30″W x 30″H in size and must be properly wired and ready to hang. Unframed works should have neatly finished edges.

Each venue has limitations of space, so a variety of sizes is preferred. The curators will determine which venue best suits your work. Individual artists may submit up to three works for consideration.

Exhibition Dates

Exhibition dates are March 1, through April 23, 2010. The Grand Opening Reception is scheduled for March 13, 2010, at Peace & a Cup of Joe.

Entry Details

Interested participants shall submit an expression of interest including an artist’s statement (no more than 100 words) and a biographical statement (no more than 100 words); and up to three (3) JPEGs (a resolution of at least 300 dpi prefered) of artwork you propose to include in Making HerStory to herstory@thickart.com and jennifer@soulworksstudio.com. An application form is included for your convenience (send us an email for the attachment).

Deadline

Expressions of interest must be received by January 30, 2010, to be considered. However, early entry is encouraged.

Notification

Selection of exhibiting artists is at the sole discretion of The ThickArt Collaborative and Neshama Soulworks Studio. Artists selected to exhibit will be notified no later than February 7, 2010; however, notification may be provided on a rolling basis from the issuance of this call. Upon notification, exhibiting artists must sign an artist’s agreement with The ThickArt Collaborative and Neshama Soulworks Studio and submit a $25 hanging fee to reserve their place. Installation is scheduled for February 27 & 28, 2010. Instructions for delivery of work shall be included in notification.

Artwork is to be for sale at prices established by the artist. Artist will retain 70 percent of all sales; The ThickArt Collaborative and Neshama Soulworks Studio will receive a commission of 30 percent on all sales.

For Additional Information:

Contact Michelle d. Parrish at mik@thickart.com or Jennifer Judelsohn at jennifer@soulworksstudio.com.