FHCA Launches Community Mosaic Project

The Francis Hardy Center for the Arts (FHCA) in downtown Ephraim is eager to announce the preparations for a new arts initiative, the Community Mosaic Project. The project’s purpose is to encourage a community-wide united arts effort that will help raise awareness of the arts in Door County. In addition, it will give community members of all ages and abilities a chance to make art and have their work hung in a major exhibition at the Francis Hardy Gallery.

“We are so enthusiastic about this project and about the possibilities it holds,” said exhibitions director Elizabeth Meissner. “It will be a great vehicle with which to share our mission about the importance of the arts,” she continued.

The FHCA will provide individuals – children, adults, adolescents, seniors, artists, art-lovers or art-appreciators – with one 6-inch by 6-inch blank canvas to create a work of art. There are no restrictions regarding subject matter or the kinds of materials one can use to make the art, except that it must be appropriate for display at the gallery, created using the 6-inch by 6-inch canvas supplied and must not exceed that dimension. In addition to the canvas, participants will receive a 4-inch by 6-inch note card to include the how and why of the work. Each statement will be included with the finished piece of artwork.

Throughout the duration of the six-week exhibit, each canvas will be sold by means of a “blind buy,” meaning the public will be invited to purchase numbers at random for $20 each. Each artwork will be assigned a number. The number(s) purchased corresponding to the number on the artwork(s) will be sent directly to the purchaser. The exciting part will be not knowing which artists’ canvas you will receive! And, the affordable $20 price tag will ensure that original artwork gets into the hands of all.

For individuals new to the art-making process, a series of free workshops with professional artists will give an extra helping hand and provide supplies, as well as the opportunity to get assistance from experienced artists. The first session will be held on May 22 from 1 – 4 pm in the Gathering Room at Scandia Village in Sister Bay. This is a free workshop and is open to the general public but reservations are required. Please call 920.854.2210 to reserve a space.

For individuals who don’t need instruction but would like to participate, canvases are now available through the FHCA. Completed artworks are due back by June 30. For more information about the Community Mosaic Project please email [email protected].