Thursday, May 6, 2010

Going (to) Elsewhere




Last weekend Landria, Phoebe and I took a road trip to Elsewhere Collaborative, in Greensboro, NC.

Simply put: artists from all over and from different disciplines come to Elsewhere, a former thrift store, to make art inspired by the objects that are a part of the living museum.

Thoroughly put: Elsewherians discover new objects that reflect Sylvia’s (the original owner of the thrift store) fascinating mind and life, and whose placement and preservation reference the eccentric process by which the objects of her collection were ordered. This mass of objects tells a cultural narrative about material excess, consumption, and overproduction. The re-ordering of things and the curation of collections speaks to the potential to re-imagine collaborative creativity and the role of place and presence in telling a community’s story. The salience with which visitors and artists alike share in the immersive experience of this unique site, speaks not to an idea but to a shared narrative written in attics and basements across the country.

No matter how you put it, this place is pretty amazing! If you love Pee-Wee's playhouse, a collaborative art environment, and working in a multi-disciplinary and an organic way, I would highly recommend applying for a residency!

6 comments:

  1. Interesting. The first image reminded me of Pawpaw's garage in Houston!

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  2. Hey Ash,
    That first image is actually a musical instrument! You throw bouncy balls at it, and it plays!

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  3. i've been wanting to go there.
    also, you should have stopped by penland for a hello.

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  4. Hey Beth,
    I could so see you there! Thought about stopping by Penland, but it is 3 hours away bro!

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  5. I just checked out the Elsewhere website. Looks like an incredible place. Will have to make a trip sometime!

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