MENDOCINO CO., 1/23/17—The Arts Council of Mendocino is seeking submissions from artists across the county for a new show focusing on cannabis to take place this June. Inspired by newly passed legislation permitting “adult use” cannabis in California, and the recent ground-breaking (and award-winning) cannabis exhibit held at the Oakland Museum of California last year, The Arts Council hopes to prompt a broader community dialogue about what cannabis means in the Mendocino community, through art. In the call for artists, they ask:
As we enter a new era of cannabis in California, what will this mean for the people of Mendocino County? Are the taboos surrounding the role of cannabis in Mendocino County’s economy and everyday life truly ready to fall away? What is gained by legalization? What is lost? Most of all, what opportunities now exist to begin more open conversations about cannabis and its place in our lives as Mendocino County residents? And what if we invite these conversations to occur through the lens of art?
The show is open to all residents of Mendocino County, and artists are encouraged to submit pieces that provoke and contribute to the larger conversation —including interactive and participatory projects that visitors can respond to. Submissions that cause the viewer to question stereotypes and assumptions, as well as documentary pieces, are particularly welcome, say organizers. Works can be submitted in any medium, and organizers will select those that most contribute to creating a bigger conversation about cannabis and life in Mendocino County. The deadline for submissions is May 1, 2017.
The show will also include a “Cannabis Confessional” booth where visitors can anonymously contribute their experiences with cannabis, similar to a project at the Oakland Museum exhibit. Arts Council Director Allysum Wier said the interactive booth will feature a journal that visitors can add to or peruse as well as other interactive features. The project is being designed by a board member so that the Confessional can travel along with the exhibit for future shows.
See the full press release below, along will more information about how to contribute submissions. The Arts Council also welcomes donations from those interested in supporting the project. Check it out!:
In 2016, the Oakland Museum of California presented an award-winning exhibition called Altered State: Cannabis in California. In the same year, the people of California voted to end prohibition of the recreational use of cannabis. As we enter a new era of cannabis in California, what will this mean for the people of Mendocino County? Are the taboos surrounding the role of cannabis in Mendocino County’s economy and everyday life truly ready to fall away? What is gained by legalization? What is lost? Most of all, what opportunities now exist to begin more open conversations about cannabis and its place in our lives as Mendocino County residents? And what if we invite these conversations to occur through the lens of art?
The Arts Council of Mendocino County invites Mendocino County artists to submit work for inclusion in an exhibit dedicated to this conversation. Work may be submitted in any media, and may include participatory projects that invite viewers to respond or provide immediate feedback. Inspired by the Oakland Museum exhibit, we too will offer a Cannabis Confessional – a booth where you can anonymously share your personal experiences with cannabis.
Work that is documentary in nature, work that calls stereotypes into question, and work that invites viewers to question their assumptions and provide feedback is particularly welcome.
The goal of this exhibit is to use art to begin talking with each other about the role of cannabis in Mendocino life, in all its diversity, and during this time of transition. Exhibit space is limited, and works to be included will be selected based on available space as well as their capacity to contribute to a rich and nuanced conversation.
To learn more about how to contribute work for consideration, please visit www.ArtsMendocino.org and look under “ACMC NEWS,” or pick up entry instructions at 309 East Perkins Street in Ukiah. Work may be exhibited anonymously at the request of the artist. Donations in support of the ACMC’s exhibition program are welcome.
Deadline for entries: May 1, 2017
Opening Reception: June 2, 2017 5-8 pm
Dates of Exhibit: June 2-30, 2017
