$EEING MONEY
A Unique Art Event of Uncommon Currency
$EEING MONEY
A UNIQUE ART EVENT OF
UNCOMMON CURRENCY
$EEING MONEY
A UNIQUE ART EVENT OF
UNCOMMON CURRENCY
MAY 6 - JUNE 6, 1999
225 NW 14th Avenue
(Portland Opera Rehearsal Space)
Portland, Oregon
A project of the Portland Old Town Arts & Culture Foundation,
a 501 (c) 3 charitable organization.
Press Contact: Cynthia Kirk/(SYNºTAX)
718.875.3502.
CYNKIRK@AOL.COM
ARTIST PROVOCATEUR JSG BOGGS TO ATTEND OPENING,
OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS
ART MADE ACCESSIBLE THROUGH LIVELY INTERACTION,
INCLUDING SPECIAL ACTIVIES FOR FAMILIES & KIDS
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY IS EVENT SPONSOR
"All artwork is either priceless or worthless." — Gertrude Stein
"SEEING MONEY is going to be one of the most important money shows ever assembled. People from all over the country—and the world—are going to fly into Portland to see it." — JSG Boggs
SEEING MONEY: A UNIQUE ART EVENT OF UNCOMMON CURRENCY will take place May 6 through June 6 at 403 NW Fifth Avenue and Flanders in Old Town. Originally scheduled for December 1998 at a Pearl District location, the dates and location were changed by Creator HELEN GUNDLACH to accomodate the expanding size and scope of the show. Exhibition hours are Wednesday — Friday/Noon — 6 pm (First Thursdays May 6/June 3 until 10 pm); Saturday/10 am — 6 pm; Sunday/Noon — 5 pm; and by appointment. Admission: $5/adults, $3/children 5 — 17 and FREE/children under 5. Information: 503 228 0252.
SEEING MONEY, a multi-media art experience, represents nearly 125 artists from the Northwest, the U.S., Canada, and Latin America whose work incorporates actual currency, depicts coins and bills, and/or refers to issues of money. The show is meant to prompt visitors to examine attitudes about money and art, culturally and personally. It includes interactive installations, works by world-renowned and emerging artists, film screenings, dramatic readings, book signings and live performances—all presided over by THE WIZARD OF CASH (Ms. Gundlach). Sundays will focus on special activities for families to introduce children to the wonders of art and the workings of dollars and sense.
The exhibition brings art into the third dimension, into the real world where most of us have to make decisions about money and how to spend it. The dynamic nature of the exhibition spurs questions about dreams and desires; love and money; religion and commercialism; monetary measures of success, debt and false feelings of prosperity; and, last but not least, the value of art—and artists—in our culture. Visitors will be invited to make artistic and economic choices, to "spend" money, and to make contributions to charity.** Whenever a patron buys a work of art, he or she will choose which of the six exhibition beneficiaries* "profits" from his or her purchase. Thus, every art purchase endorses the work of a particular artist as well as a local not-for-profit organization.
The anchor artist is JSG BOGGS, a world-renowned money artist. Boggs draws currency—known as BOGGS BILLS—which he then spends in a transaction (such as paying the tab at a restaurant). Once completed, the transaction becomes art and has the potential to increase in value far beyond the terms of the original barter.
Bogg's work challenges perceptions of value. His work is widely collected and has been chronicled in the documentary, Money Man (1993), books, and many articles including a New Yorker profile by Lawrence Weschier. The paperback publication of an updated version of Weschier's profile, Boggs: a Comedy of Values. Chicago: U of Chicago P, 1999, coincides with SEEING MONEY. To learn more about Boggs, visit his website:
www.jsgboggs.com
|
Kim Abeles
Ita Aber Bob Anderson* Martin Andersen* Paul Arensmeyer* The Art Guys Rachel Beck Patterson Beckwith Ross Palmer Beecher* Ray Beldner Mary Beth Bellah Barton Ledie Benes Catherine Bergman Barbie Beler J.S.G. Boggs Joseph Boling* Brian Borello* Jeremy Borsos* David Breeze Stuart Buehler Donald Butler Rob Chi Robin Clark Donald Cole* Donna Collins Neverne Covington Rodolfo de Florencia Simon Richard Daniel Helen Devol* Jessica Diamond Kane Do* Angela Dickerson Bob Dorsey Loren Ellis Karen Esler* Devin Laurence Field* Tony Fitzpatrick Flechemuller Keith Fox Tim Fowler* Mary Geraci* Bill Gilbert Karin Giusti Paul Glass Josh Greene* |
Max Grover*
Grey Guerzon Lee Rumsey Haga* Glenn Hashitani David Greg Harth Jari Havlena Michael Hernandez de Luna Laura Chaplin Hewitt* Thomas Raymond Hipschen Clay Hoffman Martha Hollenshort Jon Karl Holm Stephen Eric Holm Polly Holt Christian Hooker* Angela Inglis* Cisco Jimenez Ardath Judd Ursula M. Krammer-Fox Otis Kaye Tom Kenney Tom Kettner Stefanie Kohn Lisa Kokin Yvonne Kosun* Ikie Kressel* Susan Lambert Sharri LaPierre* Jim Leong* Mark Lombardi Margo Lovelace Jim Lutes L. Kelly Lyles* David McDaniels Gene Gentry McMahon* Warren Ace McVey Lori Madsen Andi C. Mead* Jerry Meatyard Carol Morrison Martin Montoya Kenna Moser* Thomas Murray |
Daniel Nadeau
Nurit Newman Ray Nicoud Jamie Oh James O'Keefe* Kim Osgood* Tom Otterness Hilary Pfeifer* Danica Phelps Ron Pieniak Tim Prusmack Brad Rogers* Christopher Roever A.A. Rucci Christy Rupp Vivien Weir Russe Tom Sachs Richard Schemmerer* Barbara Sheehan* Rachel Siegal Aaron Siering Kiff Slemmons* Michael Speaker* Tim Stapleton Oriane Stender Margaret Steward Caroline Sykora Tiffani Szilage Barbara Tetenbaum* Catherine Thayer Robert The Michael Thompson Sam Van Aken* Vick Vercauteen Ivo Vergara David Waterman Suzinn Weiss* Bill Will* David Williams Angelina Woolley Nancy Worden* Andy Worhol Theo Wujcik Judith Wyss* Barbara Yoshida |
SEEING MONEY will be installed in an underutilized retail space near a key transportation hub in Portland's Old Town district. The site is a short walk from the city's Amtrak station and the terminus of Portland's excellent public transportation system. Old Town, an architecturally significant historic distric, is also in close proximity to Portland's thriving artistic center, a former warehouse-converted-to-loft district known as the Pearl District.
Helen Gundlach is an artist, actor, director, arts and social administrator who found an intersection on her experience in the visual and performing arts and development issues when she discovered SEEING MONEY. Having been extensively involved with Karen Sheridan's The Money Mystique workshops, she had learned that "how we spend money is an expression of who we are." Sensitized to the choices we make with money, she was inspired to buy her first work of art ("Wedding Dress in a Window" by M.K. Guth) in the final hour of the very last day of the artist's solo show at the Mark Woodley Gallery (6 pm, August 30, 1997). She felt a liberating epiphany in finally giving herself permission to buy art and this set her to thinking why art—and the money we expend for it—is so intimidating in our society. Her research revealed a rich trove of art that addresses issues of money and value(s) and SEEING MONEY was set in motion. Having touched a nationwide interest in the subject, she hopes the exhibition will tour in 2000.
** A portion of the proceeds of the sale of art in the exhibition are being donated to: Arts Alive, Portland Public Schools Foundations; H20 Headwaters to the Ocean; The Libri Foundation; The Orlo Foundation; Portland Old Town Arts and Culture Foundation; Sisters of the Road Café.
SEEING MONEY is a project of the not-for-profit The Portland Old Town Arts and Culture Foundation. It has been funded, in part, by generous support from Salomon Smith Barney; Franklin, Beedle & Associates; and The Pacific Northwest Numismatic Association. Related exhibitions SEEING MONEY, Rotunda Gallery in Brooklyn, NY from December 10 — January 12, 1999 (inspired by the Portland show, with some artist overlap)
http://newyork.sidewalk.com/detail/91701; and On the Money: at the Intersection of Art and Commerce. Sherry Frumkin Gallery in Santa Monica, CA from December 5, 1998 — January 9, 1999 and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Rental Gallery from April 7 — 30, 1999 (with some artist overlap).
http://artscenecal.com/SFrumkin.html
HOURS: WEDNESDAY — FRIDAY NOON — 6 PM
(FIRST THURSDAYS — MAY 6 AND June 3 — Until 10 PM)
SATURDAY 10 AM — 6 PM
SUNDAY NOON — 5 PM
ADMISSION: $5/Adult
$3/Children 5 — 17
FREE/Children under 5
SPECIAL EVENTS
(As of April 2, List in Information)
All take place at the Exhibition Site, Unless Noted
Free with Admission, Unless Noted
Program Subject to change; Confirm at 503.228.0252 or
www.seeingmoney.com
Tuesday MAY 4. 5 - 8 PM
GALA PREVIEW & RECEPTION—BY INVITATION ONLY
Press Attendance Invited: to RSVP, Call 718.875.3502
Thursday MAY 6. 6 — 10 PM FIRST THURSDAY OPENING & RECEPTION
Friday MAY 7. 7 — 9 PM Reading of Molier's The Miser by Artists Repertory Theatre.
Doors open 6 PM. $7 Includes Exhibition Admission.
Saturday MAY 8. 1—2 PM "Seeing Money What It Is."
A Conversation with Karen Sheridan, Founder and President, The Money Mystique.
Sunday MAY 9. NOON — 5 PM MOTHERS FREE! All Day.
Thursday MAY 13. TBA Free
Money Management & Investment Seminar with John Cannallon, Research Analyst & Senior Portfolio Manager/Salomon Smith Barney. TBA
Friday MAY 14. 7:30 PM Screening of Money Man. A Documentary on JSG Boggs,
Preceded by Masterpiece or Forgery: The Story of Elmyr DeHory, as part of the NW Film Center's Series, "Icons, Rebels and Visionaries: Artists on Film."
Q&A with Boggs Following the Double Feature.
$6 Guild Theatre at SW 9th Avenue and Taylor/503.221.1156.
Saturday MAY 15. 7 - 9 PM Performance Piece by JSG Boggs.
Doors open 6PM. $10 Includes Exhibition Admission.
Saturday MAY 22. 10 AM — 6 PM Pacific Northwest Numismatic Association
Presents Larry Gaye on "Coins of the Bible."
Thursady JUNE 3. 6 — 10 PM First Thursday.
Saturday JUNE 5. 10 AM — 6 PM Pacific Northwest Numismatic Association
Presents Joseph Boling on "Counterfeti Paper Money."
TBA Reading/Booksigning, Lawrence Weschler's New Yorker Profile of JSG Boggs,
Revised and Reissued in Paperback as A Comedy of Values by the University of Chicago Press.
MISSION STATEMENT
SEEING MONEY is an art event designed to explore the role of art and money in our culture. It will stimulate reflection, lively dialogue and creativity through the use of high quality art exhibits and "hands-on" interactive installations.
WHAT IS SEEING MONEY?
SEEING MONEY is Portland's first art event devoted to the theme of money. It will feature the work of more than 100 Northwest and national artists, such as JSG Boggs, and emerging artists.
SEEING MONEY defies the typical gallery-going experience. This Event is far more than gazing at two-dimensional art on a wall. As conceived by Curator Helen Gundlach, SEEING MONEY will bring art into the third dimension. Its ideas, the issues and artists will engage the visitor intellectually and physically, leading to active participation in the Event. Participation will become irresistible because of the Event's multi-media character; performances; games, choices and decisions about how to spend Event currency; book signings and panel discussions.
Each visitor will receive Event currency (play money) from an ATM upon entry, which he or she will then spend in various interactive installations designed to raise awareness. Visitors will be invited to make spending choices according to their beliefs and values. They will determine how much they spend on themselves, on charity, on savings and on the pursuit of dreams.
By its very nature, money—as a topic of interest—evokes a strong response. We are fascinated with money, but talking about money is the ultimate taboo. It is important to understand that Money is neutral; it is our beliefs about money that dictate our attitudes and feelings. SEEING MONEY will provide a framework where "art" can be the catalyst that will help us look at issues we are unable or unwilling to explore on our own.
A significant portion of the population does not frequent art events. Art exhibits are often perceived as sterile or pretentious. Contemporary art can be particularly intimidating. SEEING MONEY will overcome these obstacles by presenting an event that is fun, interactive and focused on a topic of broad appeal. In addition to attracting first time art viewers, SEEING MONEY will attract regular arts patrons who will be drawn to the unique concept and high caliber of art.
WHY INTERACTIVE INSTALLATIONS?
SEEING MONEY is a social experiment that will explore "the frailty of the human condition." The Event will offer visitors the opportunity to examine and express their personal money-related beliefs through hands-on experiences. Just as artists express themselves through their art, visitors—as consumers—express their values through their spending habits. Their choices reveal what's important to them.
A diverse array of activities will appeal to visitors of all ages and interests. Some installations challenge beliefs and explode myths, while others invite thoughtful discussion. Visitor comments will be collected and displayed in an exhibit that will evolve and grow throughout the month-long Event.
Accompanying the exhibited art will be interactive installations that explore such money themes as:
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY—What are some of the social, political and environmental consequences of money-related choices?
PHILANTHROPY—Charitable giving is less tied to the ability to give than the willingness to give. What are your giving habits?
INTEGRITY—How do we balance wants and values without compromising ideals?
WEALTH—How would winning a million dollars in the lottery impact your life?
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY—How do beliefs translate into money-related behavior?
WHAT IS THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT?
Money touches every aspect of our lives and every sector of the community: public, private and the non-profit. Schools, social service agecies, banks, public corporations, private businesses and government offices will all become involved in this Event as sponsors, donors, and/or participants.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION (PNNA) — THE PNNA will mount an exhibition of "real" currency. Members of the Williamette Coin Club will serve as docents. The PNNA is a branch of the American Numismatic Association, the world's largest educational organization for collectors of coins, paper money, tokens and medals. The non-profit group—chartered by the Congress—was founded in 1891.
DOCENT AND VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT — SEEING MONEY will recruit a large contingent of volunteers from (1) local businesses who will provide an employee "day of service," (2) a college internship program and (3) HANDS ON PORTLAND, a non-profit organization that specializes in matching volunteers with community needs.
SEEING MONEY'S INTERNSHIP PROGRAM — College art, drama and graphic arts students will receive academic credit for their participation in the Internship Program. Interns may focus on one or more areas of study: marketing & public relations, catalogue design, scene design, painting and exhibit installation. They may also serve as docents during the month-long event. SEEING MONEY has distributed information about the internship program to Oregon College of Art and Craft, Pacific Northwest College of Art, Portland Community College, Marylhurst College, Lewis & Clark College, Reed College and Portland State University.
WHY DOES SEEING MONEY BENEFIT OREGON CHARITIES?
The philosophy governing SEEING MONEY is to demonstrate in practice, that we have the means to support what is important to us, if we are willing to make the commitment. The disbursement of revenue generated by the sale of exhibited art will be subject to the same altruistic standard.
WE CAN SUPPORT WORTHY CAUSES AND HAVE ENOUGH FOR OUR OWN NEEDS.
As the presenter, SEEING MONEY would be entitled to receive 25 to 50% of the commission from the sale of exhibited art. During the project's development, a decision was made to cover all Event expenses through corporate sponsorship, grants and donations, and that 25% of the proceeds from the sale of exhibited art would be donated to charity.
A select group of Oregon charities will be chosen according to certain criteria: innovation, risk-taking and entrepreneurial spirit. In keeping with the Event's interactive focus, the buyer of each piece of exhibited art will choose which charity will receive his or her support.
WHAT IS THE EVENT'S IMPACT?
The objectives of SEEING MONEY are to:
1. Attract 10,000 people to the event, primarily from the Northwest region.
2. Bring an outstanding collection of money art to the region.
3. Raise individual and community awareness about money-related beliefs by:
- Providing interactive hands-on experiences for each Event visitor.
4. Provide fun, family-oriented weekend program for diverse, non-traditional audiences (i.e., homeless and transitional families, minorities, etc.)
5. Stimulate interest in Northwest artists.
6. Attract a new audience to contemporary art.
7. Foster a creative partnership between the arts and business community.
8. Raise funds for several Oregon charities through the sale of exhibited art.
9. Collect Event data and submit an evaluation, with both quantitative and qualitative results, into a final report.
10. Raise individual and community awareness on the value of the arts.
- Holding a public panel discussion on Art & Money during the Event.
- Developing an education program for grades K-12.
- Providing field trips for up to 20 schools.
HELEN GUNDLACH, CURATOR/PROJECT DIRECTOR, is well qualified for coordinating SEEING MONEY. Her background includes art training and a BA in theatre. She has extensive experience designing, directing and producing theatre, special events and creative arts projects. She also has more than 15 years of fundraising and marketing experience.
Portland Old Town Arts and Culture Foundation (POTACF) is a catalyst that develops special projects, which promote the importance of arts and crafts in the community. They partner with other organizations to leverage limited resources and avoid duplication of services. Their present focus is Portland's Old Town, a historic district with a unique mix of social service agencies, independent businesses, retail shops and private residences. Proceeds from SEEING MONEY will help Portland Saturday Market to retire the debt on the recently built public restrooms in Old Town. POTACF has long recognized that public amenities are essential for Old Town to become a viable destination for an art-viewing public.
PROJECT DIRECTOR
Helen Gundlach
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Jane Beebe
JSG Boggs
Dale Champlin
Tom Pechar
Michael Phillips
Janet Riker
Karen Sheridan
Barb Swanson
Rhia Weinhaus
Mark Wooley
ADDRESS
No 393
25 NW 23rd Pl
Suite 6
Portland
Oregon 97210
PHONE
503.223.9042
FAX
503.223.7742
EMAIL
helen@spiritone.com
A PROJECT OF THE PORTLAND OLD TOWN ARTS AND CULTURE FOUNDATION
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