The Gratitude Graffiti Project 2025
The Gratitude Graffiti Project 2025
The Gratitude Graffiti Project is a daily practice of intentional appreciation through interactive art. Rooted in the principles of positive psychology, the project is built on a simple yet powerful idea: one of the most effective paths to wellness and happiness is a consistent, daily practice of gratitude.
Our mission is to create THE REMINDER—a visual and participatory experience that invites everyone in the community to pause and reflect. By transforming everyday spaces into Gratitude Stops, we encourage passersby to engage creatively and mindfully, taking a moment each day to acknowledge what they are grateful.
Dates: November 1st - 30th, 2025
Supplies: The beauty of this project is that you need very few supplies:
washable markers
Windex
window flyer (download will be available soon)
We kindly ask for all businesses who would like to participate, fill out this form: The Gratitude Graffiti Project - Registration Form
Only for MAPSO businesses, we have TGGP Kits that will be distributed to the first 40 businesses who register!
For more information, please reach out to Andrea Teutli at ateutli@maplewoodnj.gov or visit The Gratitude Graffiti Project website.
Click Here To See What a Grateful Community Looks Like Through Art
Make sure to follow and tag us on IG @the.gratitude.graffiti.project and use #gratitudegraffitiproject
The Maplewood Strollers present The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Maplewood Strollers present The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Strollers kick off their 94th season with a rousing Rocky Horror Picture Show Sing-Along!, complete with LIVE shadowcast for the ultimate interactive movie experience! Here’s your chance to cross this film experience off of your bucket list or revisit a cult classic! Bring your friends for a fun night of singing. Dress up as your favorite Rocky Horror character and join us! Audience Participation Kits available and prizes for the best costumes! Let’s do the time warp again!
Saturday, November 1 at 7PM
The Burgdorff Cultural Center
10 Durand Road
Maplewood, NJ
The Maplewood Strollers present Agatha Christie's The Secret Adversary
The Maplewood Strollers present Agatha Christie's The Secret Adversary
Follow the daring and dizzying adventures of Tommy and Tuppence through 1920s London packed with fast-paced action, comedy, and a dash of romance.
Performance Dates & Times:
Friday, November 7 at 8PM
Saturday, November 8 at 8PM
Sunday, November 9 at 2PM
Friday, November 14 at 8PM
Saturday, November 15 at 8PM
The Burgdorff Cultural Center
10 Durand Road
Maplewood, NJ
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month - Film screening: She Cried That Day
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
Maplewood Arts and Culture presents a film screening: She Cried That Day
A documentary by independent filmmaker
Amanda Erickson, followed by Q&A with Salka'Tula Bondoc Mafla
Free Event, RSVP Requested (FORM COMING SOON)
SYNOPSIS
Christine Means and her family have spent years questioning the circumstances surrounding her sister's death. In 2019, a renewed sense of hope for justice places Christine at the center of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives movement in New Mexico. Against all odds, this is a story of love, spirit, and the unwavering power of Indigenous women and allies who refuse to let their loved ones be forgotten. Read more about the film here.
Amanda Erickson is born for the San Carlos Apache of the White Water Clan on her father’s side. But, growing up outside of her community, she often wondered about her Indigenous roots. Her journey of reconnection to culture and community would take 38 years and be the catalyst for her first feature documentary, She Cried That Day. Before making her directorial debut, Amanda worked as a non-fiction TV Producer for 15 years, where she created compelling programming for networks like: Travel Channel, National Geographic WILD, Investigation Discovery, and CuriosityStream. Amanda is a member of Brown Girls Doc Mafia, Array Crew, and resident Teaching Artist for newportFILM. Through her company, Sees Clearly Productions, Amanda aims to inspire social change by amplifying issues facing Indigenous communities.
For more information on how to support Native storytelling and Amanda’s documentary, She Cried That Day, check out the film’s website: shecriedthatday.com
Salka’Tula Bondoc Mafla is an Indigenous artist, ecologist, educator, and futurist. Born on Tovangar (Los Angeles) and raised in Lenapehoking (Brooklyn) and Osage Territory (St. Louis) by way of Luzviminda (the Philippine Archipelago) and the Andes of Ecuador, she studies the unique forms of art and life birthed on her ancestral homelands and seas. Centering her scientific study at the intersection of Black liberation, Indigenous sovereignty, anti- and de-colonial ecological and museum studies, and Tropical biodiversity and rematriation, Salka’Tula disrupts the traditional colonial foundations of ecology and evolution by creating space for historically excluded and erased peoples and original ecological knowledge. As an artist, Salka’Tula writes stories and uses the stage and screen, movement, music, and photography to tell stories that span generations of living in good relation with Pachamama, with each other, and with ourselves. Her stories are love letters to the people of the Tropics and Migration that celebrate Afro+Indigenous joy and ways of being. And thru it all, Salka'Tula dreams in Indigenous futures.
Free Event, RSVP Requested (FORM COMING SOON)
The Maplewood Strollers present George Bizet's Carmen In Concert
The Maplewood Strollers present George Bizet's Carmen In Concert
Join us for a glorious evening of music featuring the vocal stylings of Victoria Thomasch in the role of Carmen.
Tuesday, November 11 at 7PM
The Burgdorff Cultural Center
10 Durand Road
Maplewood, NJ
Maplewood Record Fair
Maplewood Record Fair
The Woodland Great Hall
60 Woodland Road
Maplewood, NJ
$3 admission 10AM - 4PM
$6 early admission 9AM
Elusive Sounds
Durand-Hedden Presents: Three Miles To Maplewood: The Rahway Valley Railroad
Durand-Hedden Presents: Three Miles To Maplewood: The Rahway Valley Railroad
Register for Free at DurandHedden.org
Maplewood Vintage Show
Maplewood Vintage Show
Join us for the 6th Maplewood Vintage Show, a curated 2-day event featuring over 35+ vendors specializing in all things vintage! Taking place on Saturday, November 29th (Small Business Saturday) and Sunday, November 30th, from 10 AM - 5 PM, this show is the perfect opportunity to find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces and kick off your holiday shopping. Skip the mall and keep it local in Maplewood! Vendors will be offering a curated selection of vintage clothing and accessories, fine and costume jewelry, vintage home decor, lighting, art, glassware, tabletop items, and more.
Tickets will be available for purchase—please visit maplewoodvintage.com for more information.
Diwali Fest NJ 2025
Diwali Fest NJ 2025
Diwali is the Festival of Lights, celebrating new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Diwali Fest NJ will be held at the Memorial Park Amphitheater at 145 Dunnell Road, Maplewood, NJ (on the Park side of the Maplewood Train Station) and will have performances, activities, food and vendors.
The Monster Bawl
The Monster Bawl
More info: https://www.somadultschool.org/monster-bawl
Tickets: https://bit.ly/MonsterBawl2024
MAPSO FAMILY FOLLIES TALENT SHOW 2025
SOLD OUT
MAPSO FAMILY FOLLIES TALENT SHOW 2025
Grab Your Tickets NOW for the 3rd Annual MAPSO FAMILY FOLLIES TALENT SHOW with CHARMING OLD-TIMEY ACTS and QUIRKY VARIETY FUN!
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!:
Get your $10 tickets (up to 5 per transaction) here, for the FOLLIES on Thursday, October 23rd, 7:30 - 9pm (doors open 7pm) at The Woodland (60 Woodland Rd., Maplewood)
Hey folks! Mark your calendars and get your tickets now for the must-see event of the season–the MAPSO FAMILY FOLLIES Old-Timey Talent Show! If you love old-school community charm, we’ve got a show for you! It’s not a contest and there’s no winner, just a low-stakes opportunity to showcase local talent with heartwarming, small-town variety fun!
The MAPSO FAMILY FOLLIES delights all ages with multi-cultural and multi-generational acts–no solos!–the more quirky, creative, and unpredictable the better. Last year’s sold-out, standing-room-only show at The Woodland had a line-up of parent/kid acts—including a family circus—plus a hilarious crew of neighbors, and fabulous local groups of singers, dancers, and even a roller-skating chicken!
The MAPSO FAMILY FOLLIES is made possible by the invaluable efforts and generous support of Andrea Teutli, Miriam R. Perez, and Stacey Ross-Trevor of the Division of Arts & Culture of Maplewood Township. Tori Chickering returns as Co-Producer/Director/Emcee along with Katy Chapman as Co-producer, Cat Delett as Talent Coordinator, Ridley McIntyre as Stage Manager, and Elizabeth Sarkesian heading up Stage/House Crew. Sybil Rodgers returns as our Follies Consultant, with Craig Stout as Designer, Audrey Wade will be our spotlight operator, plus loads more invaluable Team Follies volunteers. It’s so much fun, you really should join us!
For a link to buy $10 tickets, past show photos, and FAQs, go to our FOLLIES webpage: maplewoodartsandculture.org/follies
Craft Beer Tasting Fundraiser
Craft Beer Tasting Fundraiser
Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 6:30-9:30PM
Wine Barrel Parking Lot (1886 Springfield Ave)
Craft Beer Tasting Returns to SAM
Support the beautification of Springfield Avenue while enjoying unlimited samples of many of our area’s most delicious craft beers. Enjoy hanging with friends and neighbors in the parking lot at the Wine Barrel.
Tycoon Dog Concert
Tycoon Dog Concert
Tycoon Dog – FREE All-Ages Concert in Memorial Park
Sunday, October 19, 2025
3:00 - 5:00 PM
Memorial Park Amphitheater
Maplewood, NJ 07040
Tycoon Dog Facebook
Maplewood Art Walk & Music Fest
Maplewood Art Walk & Music Fest
More Info Maplewood Village Alliance
Sunday, October 19, 2025, 11 am – 5 pm
Every fall, Maplewood Village is host to the annual Art Walk and Music Fest. This family-friendly celebration of art and music takes place on the streets of Maplewood Village.
Join us for a full day of art, music, and fun as professional artists set up on the streets, alongside musicians and bands, merchants, and children’s activities. It’s the perfect time to acquire some new art, ceramics, or handcrafted jewelry, browse in our local shops, and sample our local eateries while enjoying live music
PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS
Over 50 professional artists including painters, ceramicists, photographers, and jewelers will line the streets in this juried art show and sale.
Durand-Hedden Presents: How Do You Know It's Real - Authenticating and Caring For Historic Documents
EVENT CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER
Durand-Hedden Presents: How Do You Know It's Real - Authenticating and Caring For Historic Documents
Sunday, October 12 | 1 - 4 PM
The Durand-Hedden House
Register for Free - Durand-Hedden House
North Jersey LGBTQ+ Health Fair
North Jersey LGBTQ+ Health Fair
Saturday, October 11
Maplewood Memorial Library | 10AM - 2PM
51 Baker Street
Maplewood, New Jersey
Screening of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
Screening of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
Join the Maplewood Film Society and the Maplewood Division of Arts and Culture for a sequin-filled night celebrating National Coming Out Day with a screening of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Since its release in 1994, Priscilla has been recognized as a seminal queer film, one that celebrates drag performers as they reveal their true, authentic selves. Directed by Stephen Elliot and starring the late-great Terence Stamp along with Hugo Weaving (The Matrix, Lord of the Rings) and Guy Pearce (The Brutalist). it's an action, glitter and disco-filled road-trip that celebrates the Dancing Queens in us all.
DOOR PRIZES FOR BEST PRISCILLA-INSPIRED COSTUMES
Come early to mingle with friends, strike a pose in our desert photo booth, and enjoy disco tunes.
After the screening we’ll have live conversation featuring maximalist designer and artist, Machine Dazzle, author and 90’s media expert Joe Dolce, and Harmonica Sunbeam, entertainer and role model. They’ll discuss Priscilla’s influence on drag culture and on their own careers — and the power of expressing your true self through costumes and fashion.
There will be a discussion with queer culture leaders on the film's influence and its themes: being your true self, making your own family, and the power of sparkles.
No one under 17 admitted without a parent or guardian.
Arrive early to claim your seat, strike a pose in our photo booth, and mingle with the community.
Friday, October 10
Woodland Great Hall | 8 PM (doors open at 7 PM)
60 Woodland Road
Maplewood, New Jersey
Must be at least 17 years of age.
Tickets $10.00
Reserve Tickets Here
interACT Theatre Productions Presents: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
interACT Theatre Productions Presents: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Performance Dates:
October 10,11,17,18,24,25 @ 7:30PM
October 12, 19 @ 3PM
Burgdorff Theater
10 Durand Road
Maplewood, NJ
National Coming Out Day Celebration at Town Hall
National Coming Out Day Celebration at Town Hall
Come Celebrate & Support
Food, Music, Fun! - Free
Speakers, Flag Raising and Community
Friday, October 10 | 4-6PM
Jerry Ryan Plaza at Town Hall
574 Valley Street
Maplewood, NJ
Music by DJ Jenn Jones
Donuts from Glazed and Confused
Face Painting SOMA Pop Party
Durand-Hedden Presents Remedies from the Garden: Eighteen-Century Women as Healers
Durand-Hedden Presents Remedies from the Garden: Eighteen-Century Women as Healers
Speaker at Woodland Parlor from 1 - 3PM
Reception and guided tour at Durand-Hedden House from 3 - 4:30PM
Summer Streets Music Series
Maplewood Village Summer Streets
A pedestrian plaza on Maplewood Ave between Highland Ave and Inwood Place. Enjoy entertainment, strolling, dining, extended shopping hours, and general merriment.
Summer Streets hours - Saturday evenings from 5 pm to 9 pm from 8/30 through 10/4, with live music from 5-8pm each Saturday.
These events are weather permitting and are sometimes canceled at the last minute due to unpredictable weather. Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest information.
See Maplewood Village Alliance For More Information
Maplewood Arts & Culture Presents Noche de Salsa!
In Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month
Maplewood Arts & Culture Presents Noche de Salsa!
RSVP Ages 18 and Up
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Maplewood Division of Arts & Culture is thrilled to host the first-ever Noche de Salsa!
Join us on September 20 for an unforgettable evening where Maplewood and South Orange come together to celebrate, connect, and dance!
Salsa Lesson: 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Kick off the night by learning the foundations of salsa! Our instructor, Allison Fabrizio, will guide you through the basic salsa steps, turns, and rhythms, perfect for total beginners or anyone looking to refresh their skills. No partner is required, and no prior dance experience is necessary. Just bring comfortable shoes and get ready to move, laugh, and feel the music!
8:00 PM – Dance the night away with the incredible DJ Edwin Martinez.
Ages 18 and Up, Free Event, RSVP Required
RSVP Ages 18 and Up
Summer Streets Music Series
Maplewood Village Summer Streets
A pedestrian plaza on Maplewood Ave between Highland Ave and Inwood Place. Enjoy entertainment, strolling, dining, extended shopping hours, and general merriment.
Summer Streets hours - Saturday evenings from 5 pm to 9 pm from 8/30 through 9/27, with live music from 5-8pm each Saturday.
These events are weather permitting and are sometimes canceled at the last minute due to unpredictable weather. Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest information.
See Maplewood Village Alliance For More Information
Summer Streets Music Series
Maplewood Village Summer Streets
A pedestrian plaza on Maplewood Ave between Highland Ave and Inwood Place. Enjoy entertainment, strolling, dining, extended shopping hours, and general merriment.
Summer Streets hours - Saturday evenings from 5 pm to 9 pm from 8/30 through 9/27, with live music from 5-8pm each Saturday.
These events are weather permitting and are sometimes canceled at the last minute due to unpredictable weather. Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest information.
See Maplewood Village Alliance For More Information
unveiled 25 - A preview of the SOMA Studio Tour Artists - Opening Reception
unveiled 25 - A preview of the SOMA Studio Tour Artists - Opening Reception
The 1978 Collection: Call for Art
APPLY HERE!
We are excited to announce The 1978 Collection curated by Aimee Mower Lally in collaboration with Maria Savidis Markatos and the Township of Maplewood Division of Arts & Culture.
For two days and two hours, the 1978 Maplewood Arts Center will be transformed into a vibrant local arts market boutique featuring thoughtfully selected work by local artists, makers, and designers. The event is inspired by the quality and design you might find in a museum store—accessible, creative, and perfect for collectors and gift-givers alike.
Key Dates
● Submission deadline - Monday, October 6th
● Selected artists invited to participate - Monday, October 20th
● Deadline for artist confirmations - Sunday, October 26th
● Artist Drop-off / Setup and Installation: Sunday, November 30th from 2-5pm, Monday, December 1st from 10am - 2pm with evening hours 7-9pm and Tuesday, December 2nd from 10am - 3pm and evening hours 7-9pm
● Pre-Opening Sale: Thursday, December 4 (6pm to 8pm)
● Open Hours: Saturday, December 6 & Sunday, December 7 (11am to 4pm)
Who Should Apply?
We’re inviting artists, crafters, and designers whose work reflects a curated, high-quality aesthetic. Accepted mediums: painting, prints, photography, collage, ceramics, jewelry, fiber arts.
● Suggested price point: under $1,000
● Artists must provide their own point-of-sale system (Venmo, Zelle, Square, etc.)
● NJ based artists based in Maplewood, South Orange, Millburn, Springfield, Summit, Union, Elizabeth, Irvington, West Orange, Orange, East Orange, Newark, Bloomfield, Livingston, and other surrounding towns.
Display options:
$50 for 4ft shared table (2 artists per one 8ft table) (limited availability)
$75 for one 6ft table OR 5ft w x 9ft h wall space
Application Guidelines
Applications will be accepted via this Google Form
Deadline: Monday, October 6, 2025
Please include:
● Up to 5 high-quality images representing your work
● Size/dimensions/medium of your work
● Creatives/Artist bio/statement
● Website and/or social media handles
● Confirmation that you or a representative will be present at the Arts Center for both days of the exhibit AND the pre-sale
Next Steps
Applications will be reviewed and acceptance notifications sent on October 20.
Selected creatives/artists must confirm participation by October 26 and commit to staffing their display throughout the Preview Sale and Market Open Hours.
Robert J. Miller Oysterfest
Robert J. Miller Oysterfest
Honoring the life of Bob Miller. Raising awareness for Melanoma, while having a grand ole time…
Read more about the event on the Robert J. Miller Oysterfest Website
Summer Streets Music Series
Cancelled Due To Forecasted Inclement Weather
〰️
Cancelled Due To Forecasted Inclement Weather 〰️
Maplewood Village Summer Streets
A pedestrian plaza on Maplewood Ave between Highland Ave and Inwood Place. Enjoy entertainment, strolling, dining, extended shopping hours, and general merriment.
Summer Streets hours - Saturday evenings from 5 pm to 9 pm from 8/30 through 9/27, with live music from 5-8pm each Saturday.
These events are weather permitting and are sometimes canceled at the last minute due to unpredictable weather. Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest information.
See Maplewood Village Alliance For More Information
The Maplewood Strollers Auditions for The Secret Adversary
The Maplewood Strollers Auditions for The Secret Adversary
Click The Maplewood Strollers for more information.
SOMA Stage Presents Broadway in the Park: Miscast
SOMA Stage Presents Broadway in the Park: Miscast
SOMA Stage, in partnership with Maplewood Arts and Culture, presents Broadway in the Park on Sept 1st (Labor Day) at 4:30pm at the Memorial Park Amphitheater in Maplewood.
This year, our performers (all local, as always) will be MISCAST - turning the tables and singing songs from roles they’d never traditionally play.
Join us for the biggest celebration of Broadway in New Jersey! Admission is free with a $15 suggested donation.
Maplewood Porchfest 2025
Maplewood Porchfest 2025
Maplewood Porchfest 2025 is scheduled for Sunday, August 31st in the afternoon of 1-5 PM (rain date, Mon, September 1). We hope to see you there!
Just as in previous years, our free event will feature numerous porches around the Hilton neighborhood of Maplewood, NJ with a wide array of music and entertainment throughout the afternoon.
Maplewood Porchfest
Summer Streets Music Series
Maplewood Village Summer Streets
A pedestrian plaza on Maplewood Ave between Highland Ave and Inwood Place. Enjoy entertainment, strolling, dining, extended shopping hours, and general merriment.
Summer Streets hours - Saturday evenings from 5 pm to 9 pm from 8/30 through 9/27, with live music from 5-8pm each Saturday.
These events are weather permitting and are sometimes canceled at the last minute due to unpredictable weather. Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest information.
See Maplewood Village Alliance For More Information
interACT Theatre Productions - Auditions for Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
interACT Theatre Productions - Auditions for Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
interACT Theatre Productions Proudly Presents: DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE
Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from the novella The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
Directed by Nicholas J. Clarey
AUDITION DATES
August 24, 27, 28, 2025 - By Appointment
CALLBACKS
August 29, 2025 6:30PM
* not being available for callbacks does not necessarily remove you from consideration for casting and should not be a detractor from scheduling your audition.
AUDITION LOCATION
Morrow Methodist Church - 600 Ridgewood Rd. - Maplewood, NJ 07040
WHAT TO PREPARE
Casting all genders and races 18+. Auditions will be by cold reading only, no monologues will be seen at this audition. Please come prepared to accurately list all conflicts for September and the first two weeks in October.
PERFORMANCE DATES
October 10,11,17,18,24,25 2025 7:30PM
October 12, 19, 2025 3:00PM
PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Burgdorff Ceter for the Performing Arts
10 Durand Rd. Maplewood, NJ
ABOUT THE PLAY
A new and shocking version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale of depravity, lust, love and horror featuring the many faces of Mr. Hyde. On the fog-bound streets of Victorian-era London, Henry Jekyll’s experiments with exotic “powders and tinctures” have brought forth his other self—Edward Hyde, a sensualist and villain free to commit the sins Jekyll is too civilized to comprehend. When Hyde meets a woman who stirs his interest, Jekyll fears for her life and decides to end his experiments. Hyde, however, has other ideas, and so the two sides battle each other in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse to determine who shall be the master and who his slave.
Reflecting Refuge
Maplewood Arts & Culture Presents:
Reflecting Refuge
Closing Reception Friday, September 5 — Limited Edition Prints for Sale with Proceeds Benefiting CSPNJ - Light Refreshements
〰️
Closing Reception Friday, September 5 — Limited Edition Prints for Sale with Proceeds Benefiting CSPNJ - Light Refreshements 〰️
Read Article Written from NJ ARTS
This exhibit features the works of contemporary NJ-based artist Christine Sauerteig-Pilaar. The tent pictured in the graphic is the first in her series of refugee tents fabricated using unconventional materials as metaphors. For this new installation, the shelter will be constructed from reflective Mylar—a fragile material mirroring the precarious boundaries refugees depend on for survival. Embodied in this exhibit are stunning gouaches of refugees.
Opening Reception: Thursday, August 14 | 5 - 8 PM
On View: Saturdays and Sundays from 1 - 4 PM
8/16, 8/17, 8/23, 8/24, 8/30, 8/31, 9/6, 9/7
Additional viewings on request:
Call 973-843-7157 or email Stacey Ross-Trevor at sross-trevor@maplewoodnj.gov
Closing Reception: Friday, September 5 | 5 - 8PM
Canopy Revealed and Enhanced Limited Edition Prints for Sale, Light Refreshments.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey (CSPNJ)—a nonprofit dedicated to housing advocacy and supporting individuals at risk of homelessness.
1978 Arts Center
1978 Springfield Avenue
Maplewood, NJ
Christine Sauerteig-Pilaar’s Statement on Reflecting Refuge
”Reflecting Refuge is the culmination of ideas that first took shape several years ago, when I began learning more deeply about the plight of refugees in our global community. It began in 2015 when the civil war in Syria started to seep into my small media bubble. At the time, as a Mom of two young children, the horrors of the refugee families were heart-wrenching. I began painting gouaches of the refugees and how the media portrayed them.
Fast forward to today: the media avalanche has only intensified, and the number of displaced people has grown exponentially. Those early works from ten years ago could still hang on these walls as if they were taken from the news just hours ago.
My work has always been about pulling issues from the shadows, issues that many would rather we not extend our attention to. With this project, my hope is to create a piece that can only come to life through the energy and input of the community. By inviting participants to contribute pieces to be sewn into the work, we create a collective act of solidarity and love: a shelter woven over a fragile reflective tent, fully aware that the tent exists both directly and indirectly because of all of us.
We are the tent. We are the protection, the cause, and the vulnerability it symbolizes.
My hope is that, together, we build a “hug” suspended over the tent, offering shelter to all who walk beneath it. The paper, materials, and sewing were all acting as metaphors for mending what is broken. We will create, together, a refuge from chaos and hate, and an awakening to the power of one voice joining many, forming a collective rally cry for our most basic love for humanity and for each other”. -Christine Sauerteig-Pilaar
Call for Community Participation:
With this project comes a unique invitation to community members. For the piece to be fully realized, Christine calls for your insight, creativity, and energy.
At the gallery, you’ll find panels of sewing pattern paper. I invite you to trace your hand(s) and then write a word or phrase, or draw a symbol that represents what safety, help, identity, or refuge means to you. You’re welcome to use any language or any symbols that feel meaningful. Her only request is that you include the traced outline of your hand(s).
Feel free to take the papers home, work on them in your own time and space, and then return them. Once collected, she will sew all of these pieces together to create the screen that will be suspended above the reflective tent.
Be as creative as you like: add materials from home, use your own papers or fabrics, incorporate collage elements, or simply use words if drawing or painting isn’t your thing.
The most important part is that you join in.
When the project is complete, she will invite you to come back and see what you have built together. Know that your voice and your hands are woven into this shared refuge and that you are part of a collective act of care and solidarity.
Read Artist Bio/Statement Here
Christine Sauerteig-Pilaar Website