Artists invited to enter 'Rags to Art' fiber art show during Dolly & Porter Days

Artists, makers and creative community members are invited to turn cast-off materials into works of art for Rags to Art: A Fiber Art Show, a competitive exhibition sponsored by Explore West Plains and presented during Dolly & Porter Days "A Hometown Jubilee," Oct. 2-3 in downtown West Plains.

 

Inspired by Dolly Parton's beloved song "Coat of Many Colors," the show celebrates creativity, resourcefulness and the beauty and meaning that can come from making something special with what is available.

 

At the heart of the show is the story Parton tells in the song of her mother lovingly turning rags into a coat for her daughter at a time when the family had little money. That spirit of "making do" also connects with West Plains native Porter Wagoner, who grew up in humble circumstances before finding success in country music. Porter's longtime band member and comedian Speck Rhodes was also known for his colorful patchwork-style coats.

 

The show is open to artists of high school age and older, and all skill levels are welcome. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place, along with a People's Choice Award.

 

Organizers are looking primarily for art rather than crafts, although they recognize there can be a fine line between the two and welcome artists' interpretations. All entries must be family friendly.

 

Accepted forms may include clothing created from used or secondhand materials or scraps, decorated garments, quilt blocks, wall hangings, mobiles, mixed-fiber works and other original fiber art. Kits of any kind will not be accepted.

Artists are encouraged to work with fabric and textile scraps, old clothing, thrifted materials, buttons, leftover yarn or thread, and other repurposed items. Other types of materials may be incorporated, but participants are asked not to purchase brand-new materials specifically for the project.

 

The goal is to embrace the concepts of upcycling, recycling, making do and getting by — transforming cast-off, leftover or otherwise unwanted materials into something heartfelt and inspiring.

 

Entries may measure up to 32 inches wide by 36 inches long and must be lightweight enough to hang on a clothesline. Pieces that are not clothing should include an edge that can easily be secured with clothespins. Hard-framed pieces will not be accepted.

 

Because some artwork may be displayed around the edge of a canopy during the outdoor festival, artists should also consider possible exposure to the elements when designing their pieces. Fragile work is not recommended.

Entries may be delivered Thursday and Friday, Sept. 24-25, and Monday through Wednesday, Sept. 28-30, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ozark Heritage Welcome Center, 2999 Porter Wagoner Blvd., West Plains.

 

The entry fee is $5 per piece, with a limit of three entries per artist. Entry fees will be redistributed as prize money to selected winners.

 

Each entry should have a securely attached tag, no larger than 3 by 5 inches, listing the title of the piece, materials used and a brief description or inspiration. The artist's name may also be included but is optional for those who prefer anonymity. Tags should be attached with string and a safety pin.

 

A panel of judges will evaluate entries based on creativity, use of materials, artistic elements and connection to the "Coat of Many Colors" theme.

 

Festival-goers will also help select a People's Choice Award winner during Dolly & Porter Days. Votes may be cast with non-perishable food items or monetary donations, with one vote counted for each food item or each dollar donated. All food and financial donations collected through People's Choice voting will benefit the West Plains Schools Bridges Program.

 

Winners will be announced during Dolly & Porter Days.

 

Artists retain ownership of their work and will receive information about picking up entries following the festival. Unclaimed pieces will be donated or responsibly recycled.

 

By entering, artists grant permission for their work to be photographed and used for promotional purposes. Reasonable care will be taken with all submissions, but organizers cannot be responsible for lost, damaged or stolen items.

For additional information, see the event page "Rags to Art: A Fiber Art Show" on Facebook or contact Terry Hampton at terry.hampton@westplains.gov or by calling the welcome center, 417-256-8835.