Craftism Declares New Art Movement in The Kenmore at Box 13 ArtSpace

Houston-based artists Edward Lane McCartney and Cat Coombes will inaugurate a new art movement at The Kenmore, located in Box13 ArtSpace, with Craftism: Preserving the Future of Art. The organization of the Craftism movement, unveiling of McCartney’s shrine to art, and presentation of the collaborative’s manifesto will occur at the opening reception of Craftism: Preserving the Future of Art, on August 6, 2011 from 7:00pm to 9:30p.m., and remain on view Saturdays from 1-5pm through September 10, 2011.

The exhibition will mix jewelry, installation, and performance in a context that demands audience participation. The physical aspect of the exhibition will center around the transformation of The Kenmore, a mini-Fridge curated by Emily Sloan, into a Plexiglas and gold-leaf, post-modern-gothic shrine to Craftism, holding a single, sanctified jewelry object, by Edward Lane McCartney. During the reception, Cat Coombes will present Craftism’s manifesto to begin the consolidation of the movement. As relics of the performance, the manifesto will be left on display, and viewers may wear jewelry objects bearing excerpts from the manifesto out into the world.

The artistic goal of the collaboration between jeweler and metal artist Edward Lane McCartney and conceptual artist and art historian Cat Coombes is to seek out a new relationship between “art” and “craft,” in search of an art that features “depth and humanity” as core values. The statement they make may provoke frustration, anger, or relief: “All art is craft. All so-called ‘art’ that is not craft is art criticism, industry, or empty posturing.”

Craftism Brooch, 2011, 24K Gold on Glass, 24K Gold Plate on Sterling, Paint, and Stainless Steel.

THE KENMORE
Not just another white cube, The Kenmore is a small, cold exhibition object measuring approximately 36" x 24"x 24". The Kenmore's mission is to keep ideas fresh through the opportunity of a unique exhibition context and the experience of collaboration. Inspired by exhibits such as "Cooler than Usual" at Aisen Caro Chacin's N Gallery, The Kenmore was initiated by Emily Sloan and is "run" (refrigerator humor) under her development and guidance. By its nature, The Kenmore remains a work in progress.

BOX 13 ARTSPACE
BOX 13 ArtSpace is an artist run nonprofit innovative environment for the creation and advancement of experimental contemporary art in Houston. BOX 13 artists create this environment through the offering of affordable workspaces for emerging and established artists, dedicating five interior spaces to the exhibition of artistic explorations, a window gallery for installations and an outdoor courtyard space. BOX 13 promotes dialogue among artists and the art community on current trends affecting the arts.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Opening reception: Saturday, August 6, 7:00pm to 9:30pm
Open Saturdays from 1-5pm or by appointment

CONTACT
Emily Sloan
The Kenmore
c/o Box 13 ArtSpace
6700 Harrisburg Blvd.
Houston, TX 77011
thekenmore@gmail.com
713-582-1198