Save the Date: 12/21/24
Yule is a time for friendship, reflection, and exchange as the Wheel of the Year turns again. We invite you to join us in our home for this special celebration.
The 20th Dirty Artisan Exchange
For 20 years, we’ve celebrated the Yuletide by exchanging handmade art rather than store-bought gifts with our maker friends, celebrating our shared creativity and personal artistry.
Last year was the first time back after the lockdown, and we wanted to keep the tradition alive this year too. So, if you were given this invitational link, we encourage you to create something you are proud of—a piece of art that reflects your talents and creativity—but there is no monetary value minimum or maximum. Do what feels right to do.
Let’s gather together to share friendship, creativity, and the joy of the season!
Minimum Rules
All contributions must be well presented, complete, and ready for display (“museum ready”). This means framed, mounted, or supported as necessary. Please ensure your piece is signed (when appropriate) and includes any necessary hardware for hanging or display. Sculpture, ceramics, paintings (any medium), collages, textile, and assemblage pieces are welcome. Stand alone photographs do not qualify.
Normally there is a strict secrecy to what is being made, but to avoid some of the complications in the past, if you have any questions about your piece, and how it may stand with pieces from past exchanges, feel free to email garpickering@proton.me with a photo and explanation and he will be honest with you.
We will follow the general rules of "Dirty Santa," but specifics will depend on the number of participants and will be explained in full at the event.
NEW THIS YEAR: The “Kids Table”
A new generation is necessary for traditions to continue. That’s why this year we are inviting new folks to participate in an additional exchange. The reasoning is that over the years the original has become more of a juried art show, and less of an open invitation.
Our (now adult) daughter expressed interest in participating, but not on the “juried” level…so we wanted to extend the invitation to the invitee, as well as their +1 to get in on the stealing and gifting fun earlier in the evening, if they are so inclined. Same basic rules, but with pieces that can be more fun and creative for the sake of the spirit.