FARMINGTON — Twice Sold Tales, in partnership with the Free Art Initiative, is announcing a call for entry for the thematic exhibition “Free Art: Of the Unconventional Eccentric”. Artists from the community are invited to submit their artwork for consideration. The exhibition will be on view through the month of April in the Twice Sold Tales gallery showcase window located on Main Street in downtown Farmington, Maine. Submissions are due by Friday, March 14th.
Nick Demarchi, UMF senior, got the idea for The Free Art Initiative while considering his long term goals of promoting emerging artists and fostering a more cohesive art community in Farmington. DeMarchi found many sources of inspiration for this project including a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. DeMarchi leaned into a sculpture to get a better look at the detail. In doing so he set off the silent alarm which prompted a security guard to scold him. This incident made DeMarchi ponder what it would mean to have art be more accessible, both for the viewer and creator. This exhibit gives viewers the chance to experience art outside of what he refers to as “white box spaces”.
Influenced by the Bread & Puppet manifesto, The Free Art Initiative aims to break away from the stereotypical processes of traditional art making. Submissions can be made out of cardboard, repurposed items, and other nontraditional materials. All art mediums will be considered for the exhibit, including 3D, 2D or time based, such as videos to be played on a loop. Smaller sized pieces are appreciated, as space is limited, but there are no specific size restrictions. Particular interest is given to emerging artists, thus providing visibility to artists who haven’t yet gained notoriety.
Free Art: Of the Unconventional Eccentric is the first of many exhibits DeMarchi aims to curate through The Free Art Initiative. The exhibitions will be displayed in storefront windows and other unconventional spaces that are integrated into downtown areas where people, who may not be inspired to enter a gallery, will have exposure to the art and hopefully have some joy brought to their day by the experience. By providing a public space to display, people are also able to view the pieces in an environment without the clinical feel of traditional museums and galleries.
The Free Art Initiative hopes to connect the UMF art community and the greater Farmington community. This exhibit is a first step towards that goal. Amber Kapiloff, owner of Twice Sold Tales, is pleased to see her storefront windows being used creatively. “I try to bring something fresh in every month. It’s been a really fun side project to the bookstore,” said Kapiloff. “I’m really excited about it.”
Recently, UMF made the decision to shutter their Contemporary Art Gallery on Maine street. DeMarchi’s plan is to not only fill the hole left by this closing, but create new opportunities and expand people’s view of where art can exist. DeMarchi is hoping this call to art will receive submissions from both UMF students and local Farmington artists.
Artists will have the opportunity to sell their work if they choose to do so. Purchased items will be available for pick up at the end of the exhibit. The Free Art Initiative, as is consistent with the name, will not take commissions and there is no entry fee. However, donations will be accepted to support the project. Dates for an opening reception and artist talks to follow. Photos of the exhibit will be archived on the future Free Art Initiative website.
To submit your work for consideration, send an artist statement and a short bio along with up to five images (PDF, PNG or JPG) with your name in the file title to Nicholas.demarchi@maine.edu or follow this link to the google form.
