In our modern, go-go global society, the word "souvenir" has taken on a fairly shallow meaning. It's the cute but useless chotski we picked up at Euro Disney, now ironically called Disneyland Paris. It's the cheesy foam finger from a fútbol match in Mexico City we crammed mercilessly into our luggage. It's the unplayable, mini-reproduction of Earl Scruggs' banjo--ya know the one--from a two-day stint in Nashville.
But there are far more profound examples of souvenirs that can and do play a significant role in our lives and, in turn, in our art. They are the sweetly naive love notes from our high school boy- or girlfriend, the sentiments ringed with silly doodles. They are the grainy, sepia toned photographs of our now long dead ancestors, their eyes still gleaming with the light of life. They are the small mementos of a largely forgotten event until we run across them during a mad spring cleaning and we are suddenly filled with the emotions--good or bad or both--of that specific time and place. They are the memories infused in our minds and, indeed, in our very cells.
It is this more thoughtful yet broader definition of what souvenirs are that is now being sought by co-producers Pegi Christiansen and John Loscuito for Milwaukee's 6th Annual Performance Art Showcase, entitled--surprise!--Souvenirs. And for the first time ever in the showcase's history, the call for submissions is open to any artist living and working in the region, and to that we say, "Hurray and pass the guidelines!"
All right, we will:
• The 6th Annual Performance Art Showcase Souvenirs will be a one-night show from 7:30-9:30PM on Wednesday, September 22, 2010, in the 4th Floor Gallery at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD).
• Each piece must have a "souvenir" element, but broad interpretations of the term are welcome. The root of souvenir is "to come to mind." Synonyms include memento, remembrance, token, trophy, keepsake, relic, favor, memorial, memorabilia, mnemonic, prompt, cut, and hint. This showcase will also allow for reconstructions.
• Works should have a strong visual component, but performance art that pulls from all art mediums is greatly encouraged.
• Artists can sell their souvenirs, which may include anything, including documentation. Artists may not sell food, unless it is commercially packaged or from a licensed kitchen, but may give away food if they wish. Artists are responsible for sales tax.
• The MIAD space will have a carnival flavor. Barring any unforeseen glitches, there will be a tent in the middle with sides that can roll up and there will be booth spaces along the walls. Roaming carts (Stuart Sherman was an inspiration) are also possible. The pieces can range from the light-hearted and satiric to deeply serious.
• All artists will receive a stipend--Whoot!:
--Single artists selling something: $100
--Single artists not selling anything: $200
--Multi-person pieces: $100 per person
• To apply for the showcase, submit the following info to pegi dot christiansen at gmail dot com:
1. Name
2. Email address
3. Phone/cell number(s)
4. One-two paragraph description of piece(s). This should include if you envision it as inside the tent (more theatrical), in a booth, or a cart.
5. Description of "souvenir" element(s)
6. Will it/they be for sale?
7. Number of people involved
8. Anything else the producers should know.
• Questions? Call Pegi at 414-529-5545.
• Deadline for submission is Thursday, May 20, 2010.
Now, I'm not gonna tell ya that ya have to bare your past or your soul to the world--unless that's what ya really want to do--or create something that brings the audience to weepy tears. Funny is good, very good, but funny without a foundation of real thought and truth is just a cheap laugh. So take the time, dig deep, and make us all proud.
(Thanks, Pegi & John!)
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