Crafting Play
Exhibition Dates: May 17–July 6, 2024
Summer Fun: Crafting Play Exhibition Celebrates the Artistry of Games at Florida CraftArt
No one can deny the visual appeal of games. Whether it be the engulfing sweep of green offered by a baseball diamond, the graphic simplicity of Go, the folksy charm of carnival games, or the visual feast of intricately crafted Mahjong tiles.
Humans began to craft games in the Bronze Age, nearly 7,000 years ago. In those ancient times they were often imbued with mythic and spiritual significance. Since then, they have played an integral part of all cultures, creating a common playing field for our shared human experience.
Games teach us problem solving, decision making, cooperation, and social skills. They have been proven to improve creativity, motivation, and memory. Games are teaching tools, help us build better relationships, and relieve stress. But we have been attracted to games since ancient times because they are fun!
Among the many artists that are included in the exhibition, K.C. Chilton knows the beauty that one can find in that which has been discarded by others. She invites the viewer to “think inside the box” as she does, when she is creating her elaborate shadow boxes. “While scouring thrift shops, I find ‘beautiful,’ unloved treasures and see potential for organized chaos. I delight in the challenge of displaying contents of a ‘junk drawer’ creatively in a thoughtful, artistic shadow box much like a miniature cabinet of curiosities.
Joyce Curvin wants the viewer to be part of the fun. “I love making pieces that move or require audience participation of some sort. All of the pieces I have submitted for this show require some sort of action by the viewer.” But the invitation to play does not come without social commentary. “Turn-A-Phrase and Everyone’s an Influencer both address our relationship with social media and things we are led to believe–good or bad. Sky Watch celebrates our fascination with and enthusiasm for finding alien life.”
Complementing the excitement of our upcoming exhibition, Florida CraftArt is excited to introduce an additional element of fun! Alongside the exhibition, we’re offering a self-guided make-and-take area where participants can create games of their own using the materials provided. It’s a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself with art and engage hands-on in the joy of crafting. Let your creativity flow as you add your spin on nostalgic toys and games, adding an extra layer of creative fun to your visit.
Crafting Play artists: Karen Brown, Millie Brown, K.C. Chilton, Mary Correa, Joyce Curvin, Eric Folsom, Gary Greer, Adrienne Gaskell, Erin Griffin, Lonni Hopkins, Jackie Kaufman, Richard Mastry, Susan Maxon, Elizabeth Neily, Charlie Parker, Nick Reale, Lance Rothstein, Maureen Shankey, Cindy Stevens, and Jennifer Sutton Roe
CUTLINES
Chilton_Mind Games_full.jpg, Photo by K.C. Chilton
K.C Chilton’s message is clear in Mind Games, despite the “organized chaos” her shadowboxes display.
Curvin, Joyce-Turn_A_Phrase.JPG, Photo by Joyce Curvin
Joyce Curvin fearlessly embraces humor. Turn A Phrase, with its vintage game show colors and timely message, lets viewers create random ‘viral’ statements.
Crafting Play is sponsored by:
Kathryn Howd and Edward Rucks
Additional support from:
