Attention artists!
Various creative avenues are available, all leading towards Lexington’s 300th Celebration! Whether you want to work independently or with a group, on a small or large project, with definite creative guidelines or something uniquely your own, we are seeking your talents. We are also reaching out to other artists including, but not limited to: painters, jewelers, weavers, printers, photographers…
Lexington’s Anniversary’s theme is: Celebrating 300 Years – We are Lexington
This theme was selected because the 300th aims to feature Lexington Then & Now, the different people who have contributed to and been part of Lexington over 300 years, the many different types of industry in Lexington (from farming to technology). We are all Lexington.
Message from the 300th Artist Outreach Project
Creative arts and artists have been an important part of Lexington’s community for 300 years. In 1713 artistic inclinations came through in a variety of ways: poke-weed dyed fabrics, embroidery, clothing, silversmithing, woodworking…. In the 1800s, photography introduced a new formal portrait medium which developed to less formal candids by the turn of the century to the innovative digital photography of today.
Today, Lexington is, in fact, bursting with creative arts.
As we celebrate the 300th, we want to showcase the many artists who are currently part of our community while also documenting and celebrating the artists who have expressed their creativity in Lexington for 300 years.
We have spent some time brainstorming about creative arts fundraisers to benefit the 300th Anniversary events. One of our criteria was that any project should equally serve to promote artists and the arts. We will photograph all work in connection with our projects, and include these in the 300th Anniversary Image Collection which will be compiled and archived at the Cary Library and Lexington Historical Society.
Message from the 300th Quilting and Textile Steering Committee
We have spent some time generating ways for quilt and textile artists to participate in this exciting Artist Outreach Project:
The 300th Pillow Project
Raffle Quilt Projects
Town Quilt / Wall Hanging Art Quilt
300th Fashion Show – Garment & Accessory Contributions
Please look through these and let us know if you would like to participate!
The 300th Pillow Project – A defined project you can work on independently
Picture this: you arrive at Lexington’s Country Fair on September 22, 2012 and discover a beautiful arrangement of colorful and artistic pillows for sale. Each pillow is different. One features the Minuteman, another is a beautiful log-cabin pattern. There is one of the Old Res, another shows a bicyclist near Depot Square. Anyone is able to take home one of these beautiful pillows for a reasonable price (between $30 – $50). The purchaser knows her/his money was used to defray costs of the 300th Events. The artist is proud to have contributed. This is the 300th Pillow Project.
Pillows can feature any concept you consider tied to Lexington or inspired by the 300th Anniversary. Please use a 16” pillow form to stuff your pillow. Pillows can be sewn shut or have a zippered opening. More information is on the 300th Pillow Project Handout.
Raffle Quilt Project – Work together or with a group to make a quilt for our raffle
Consider donating a quilt to the 300th Celebration Raffle fundraiser to support Lexington’s Anniversary celebration events. A wide variety of quilts are welcome whether traditional or contemporary. Lap quilts or bed quilts are welcome.
To coordinate the raffle we will need to know if you are planning to contribute. Please let us know by Valentine’s Day 2012 if you are planning to participate. All quilts must be completed by June 1, 2012 to allow us time to order tickets and publicize the quilts.
Town Quilt / Wall Hanging Art Quilt
If there is enough interest we would love to bring people together to create a special quilt to donate to the town. Designed as a collaborative project, the 300th Quilt & Textile Steering Committee will oversee this project. Some ideas that have been suggested: using fabrics representative of different historical fabric fads, using fabric signed by current residents of Lexington, picture quilt of town buildings. Please talk to a member of the 300th Quilting & Textile Steering Committee if you are interested in participating in this project.
Note on Colors: Theme colors used in 300th Anniversary Logos, Pins and Shirts feature red, yellow and blue. Not everything made for this event needs to have those colors but we thought you would like to know colors you are likely to see in decorations at 300th Events.
Breeches, Bloomers and Bellbottoms: Oh My!
Message from the 300th Fashion Show
On Saturday October 27, 2012 we will hold a 300 year fashion show called Breeches, Bloomers and Bellbottoms: Oh My! Volunteer models are stepping forward to represent different parts of our community. Each model will help depict Lexington life in a different time period ranging from 1713 – 2013. We need lots of people to help sew appropriate garments. In addition, we are actively seeking contributions (or loans) of vintage pieces. If you own vintage pieces, please let us know! Sewing projects range from simple to complex. All levels of experience are welcome. Contact Tanya Morrisett or Jessie Steigerwald
Contact Tanya Morrisett: tmorrisett@gmail.com
Contact Jessie Steigerwald: jess@shininghours.com or (781) 861-7190
Handbags, Purses, Wallets, Satchels: Oh My!
Artist Outreach Fundraiser for the 300th in Coordination with the Fashion Show We are reaching out to artists to create one-of-a kind handbags, purses, wallets, satchels and other accessories which will be available for purchase at the Fashion Show. All proceeds to defray costs of 300th Events.
Contact Corinne Steigerwald: cls9@netzero.net or (781) 861-7190
Independent Projects – If you would like to quilt, knit or otherwise create something that doesn’t fit into the avenues described above, don’t worry; we have room for you!
Donations: During the 300th events, there will be opportunities for the sale of donated and/or crafted items. All proceeds will be used in support of Lexington’s Anniversary festivities. Our intention is that we have many items available as keepsake mementoes for events planned.
Vendors: If you are interested in selling your art, please contact Fay Backert for information about the Country Fair which will take place on September 22, 2012. Booths will be available.
Contact Fay Backert: backert@comcast.net or (781) 652-8011
