Art in Embassies
How it Works
Why is there a tractor trailer truck outside our home? It is because Atelier, a company specialize in shipping artwork, came to collect Sunrise Over the Gulf River. I am honored to have my work displayed at the U. S. Embassy in Brazzaville, The Republic of the Congo. How did this come about? I maintain a portfolio of available artworks with the Art in Embassies program. Whenever a new ambassador is sent to one of the American embassies they choose the artwork for their new home.
It is fortuitous Cohasset Open Studios was this past weekend. My studio was relatively clean. 🙂 So, one of the shipping representatives could start the process of preparing Sunrise Over the Gulf River for shipping on my work table. Fortunately, the Senior Executive Director of Studio Operations was able to assist since shipping and handling is his area of expertise. Also, I was unable to kibbutz since I was needed for a business meeting. However, the Senior Executive Director of Studio Operations did an admiral job. At my request he took photos of the operation for you to enjoy.
Moving On
I love how the truck is set up so the tailgate can be used as a table. All the tools, packing materials and forms are stored in the back of the truck. Yes, there are forms to ensure that artwork is signed for and checked for its condition each step of the way. I am so grateful for how the Art in Embassies program takes care of all the logistics.
Rainbow Scrap Challenge
My 2022 Rainbow Scrap Challenge back is done. It’s tempting to save time and use yardage for the back of my quilts. I rarely do that these days. Instead, I am determined to use up smaller pieces of fabric in my stash that I am unlikely to ever use on the front side of a quilt. I went through my stash and selected novelty prints and geometric patterns in rainbow colors. I am delightfully surprised how such glaring, bold fabrics came together to form a cohesive looking piece.
I’m linking up to the following posts:
Well that’s exciting, Gwyned! I feel like you ought to get a stamp in your passport for every country visited by your art quilts!
What a fabulous idea, Rebecca. Perhaps the Art in Embassies program could provide something along those lines. They do create a wonderful catalog for each embassy when the “new” artwork is hung. Each artist is given a face to face page spread, with their artwork on the right page and the left page is a two column bio, that they research and right. I had a piece in Belgrade several years back. Got a chuckle since my bio first in English and then in Hungarian. They even translated my name. 🙂
How lovely to know that your aart is going to be displayed in an embassy! Love the backing for your RSC quilt. xx
It is exciting, Lin. Thank you for your kind words about my RSC back.
What an honor for you and how interesting the way they packaged it. Question…is the quilt on loan or did they purchase it.
The artwork is not purchased, Norma. Thank you for the question. It resides at the embassy until the ambassador who selected leaves, usually a period of three to four years.
What an interesting program, Gwyned. Congratulations on having your artwork selected for display!
I had no idea the Art in Embassies program existed until a fellow fiber artist brought it to my attention. I agree, it is an interesting program. Thank you for taking the time to read my post and comment.
What a great program to display artwork! Love the care and attention they put into prepping it for shipping. Love your RSC backing. So fun.
This is the second time I had work selected via the Art in Embassies program. Like you, I was very impressed by the care given the artwork. I do enjoy working through my stash to make the backs for my quilts. No two backs look alike. In fact, the back, a portion glimpsed in this post, of Sunrise Over the Gulf River, was pieced this way using the “extras” from the front a fabric stored in my stash.
wow what an honor and that is really interesting how they arrive to get the art work
I had no idea how the shipping logistics worked when I applied to the program. Just assumed I would have to ship my artwork somewhere in the US. So, it was delightful surprise to learn it is picked up and the shipping is handled in the same way other government mail/packages are shipped overseas.
Thanks for dropping by and commenting, Karen.
Such good care for your traveling quilt, as it should be. Also, what a beautifully scrappy backing. Makes your quilt reversible!
The whole Art in Embassy program is impressive. I can’t say enough positive about it. Hadn’t thought of the quilt being reversible. Good idea, Sue.
Wow, congratulations! I love how they take care of your quilt too.
The back of your RSC quilt is looking good, fun and bright, a pretty scrappy backing!
Thank you for sharing, and linking up!
Thank you, Frédérique, for stopping by and providing a place for quilters to share their posts.