Sonya Clark, 2019 FWM Artist-in-residence and 1993 College/Postgraduate Apprentice alum, invites you to engage in an act of solidarity.
The Solidarity Book Project was designed by Sonya Clark (Amherst College alum ‘89), Professor of Art and the History of Art at Amherst College, as one way for Amherst (in its bicentennial year) to reckon with its difficult history by pushing against the legacies of settler colonialism and anti-Black racism. This art initiative is open for public participation and engagement. In September 2021, an immersive exhibition including participants’ sculpted books will be mounted at Amherst. For each response to the calls to action, the College will donate per submission to organizations serving Black and Indigenous communities in need of book knowledge up to a total of $100,000.
Meet up with Professor Clark to ask questions about the process or simply make books in community with other participants in the #SolidaritySculpting Project. No prior experience in book sculpting or art necessary. Come as you are, do what you can. We look forward to seeing you! Follow @solidaritybook on Instagram and share widely.
Solidarity Book Project x The Fabric Workshop and Museum
FWM is partnering with the Solidarity Book Project to act as a drop-off point for book sculptures (due June 2021), amplify live make-with sessions with Sonya Clark, and provide #SolidaritySculpting templates and instruction hand-outs (available during open museum hours) for those who are unable to print them at home.
Supplies needed for book sculpting:
– A book by Black and Indigenous authors or authors in allyship with these communities. (Books must be at least 280 pages to accommodate the template. If you would not like to alter a personal copy of a book, consider buying from independent, used, or BIPOC-owned bookstores in Philadelphia such as Harriett’s Bookshop or Uncle Bobbie’s Books.)
– A template (FWM will have copies available for pick-up during museum hours.) To pick up a copy, please reserve a timed ticket and set the donation to $0. Copies are available at the welcome desk on the ground floor at the top of the ramp.
– Scissors
– Video tutorial
Join a virtual live “make-with” session with Sonya Clark to sculpt your book in community with others:
- Tuesday, March 16, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Saturday, April 10, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Wednesday, April 28, 6:00 pm – 7 pm
- Thursday, May 20, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Once complete, drop off your book sculpture at FWM. Book sculptures will be shipped to Amherst College for an exhibition in September 2021; after the exhibition, books will be returned to FWM and available for pick-up by participants. To drop off a book sculpture, please reserve a timed ticket and set the donation to $0. Drop off your book sculpture at the welcome desk on the ground floor at the top of the ramp.
Other ways to participate in the Solidarity Book Project
You are invited to participate by responding to any of the following three challenges (through June 2021):
Challenge 1: #SolidarityReflection
– Post an audio, video, or written response to: “What does solidarity mean to you?” OR “How has someone in your life been a model of solidarity for you or for others?”
Challenge 2: #SolidarityReading
– Share an excerpt or read and record (audio or video) from a book that shaped your understanding of solidarity. This book may be by Black and Indigenous authors or authors in allyship with these communities.
– Please keep your response to less than 60 seconds or under 100 words.
