Weaving Communities into Activism and Arts for Change

Advance Book Previews Contributor Quotes....

"This chapter examines the merging of art and activism of The International Fiber Collaborative (IFC) founded by Jennifer Marsh. As a fellow artist and educator, I have participated in and researched multiple collaborative projects with Marsh and the IFC over the past few years.....I draw on portraiture methodology to describe the IFD's unique artistic and social relevance for pedagogy..."

"The individual and communal themes explored in each participant’s contribution to the Gas Station Project, The Tree Project, and the most recent Rocket Project are myriad, yet share an interest in social change. While *The International Fiber Collaborative projects are intentionally open-ended and include many diverse political and ideological responses; the shared message of community and activism proves a common thread. Further, the digital interplay of weblogging, linking, and online commentary allows a range of overlapping and divergent voices to coalesce in ways that transcend traditional, individual art-making and critical discourse. Though the original function of craft objects have utilitarian meanings, (such as a potholder or quilt), the purpose of an individual artist’s panel is often a uniquely personal and/or political expression. In this way, contemporary craft projects like the IFC engender social change while building layers of multifaceted community space and artistic dialogue."

Courtney Lee Weida with Jennifer Marsh

(look for the full article in the upcoming book "Creative Arts in Research for Community and Cultural Change")

Courtney Lee Weida Ed.D., Ed.M. is Assistant Professor of Art Education Adelphi University, Garden City, N.Y.. She completed her doctorate in Art & Art Education at Columbia University Teachers College. She earned an Ed.M. from Harvard University, specializing in Museum Education. *The International Fiber Collaborative (IFC) was founded in 2007 by artist Jennifer Marsh. It is a non-profit organization that promotes global collaborative public art initiatives, a marriage of art & education. The IFC has accomplished two widely acclaimed projects. The first one being The Gas Station Wrap in 2008 in Syracuse, New York. The submitted artwork for this project came from individuals from 15 countries and 28 states. The Gas Station Wrap was the first of its kind and spurred international attention both through press and participants. The second project was The Interdependence Tree Project in 2009 in Huntsville, Alabama. The International Fiber Collaborative recent project is The Dream Rocket which aims to reach participants from over 100 countries and all 50 states.

See this youtube video of "The Gas Station" project by "The International Fiber Collaborative".