OPEN INBOX 2016-2018
Open Inbox is a series of 7 public sculptures, each designed for a different neighborhood. These sculptures are designed to function both as reverent monuments to neighborhood history and identity, and as functional community message boards and meeting points. At a time in our culture when traditional models of community are under threat, these sculptures provide neighbors a way to connect, communicate and construct shared identity.
Each piece was carved by hand from sustainably and locally-sourced native hardwoods, and is paired with a handmade saddle-stitched artist’s book, and an edition of 100 handmade invitations (serigraphy, relief, risograph).
Read more about this project at Style Weekly.
Locations:
Westside - Athens, OH
Jackson Ward - Richmond, VA
Woodland Heights - Richmond, VA
Jefferson Park - Richmond, VA
Oregon Hill - Richmond, VA
Newtown South - Richmond, VA
Woodville Garden - Richmond, VA
Timeline
2016 - The initial set of 5 sculptures was produced as my MFA thesis exhibition at Ohio University’s Trisolini gallery with funding from the Ohio University College of Fine Arts. The first piece in the series was installed in Athens, Ohio’s Westside.
2017 - Open Inbox was exhibited as a solo show at Gallery5 in Richmond. Following the show, 4 sculptures were installed in Richmond City parks with the support of Richmond’s Public Arts Commission, Parks and Rec, and civic organizations.
2018 - With the support of a grant from the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation’s Health Equity Arts program, two new sculptures were created and exhibited as part of a group show at VCU’s Arts Research Institute. Following exhibition, The final two pieces in the series were installed in Richmond neighborhoods.
Support
This work was made possible by generous grants from CultureWorks in Richmond, Virginia, the Ohio University College of Fine Arts and the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation Health Equity Arts program.
Thanks to artist Brian Wysong who created custom-welded steel posts for this piece.