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Handmade postcard by Valerie.
The STL Craft Mafia is looking for local artists/craftspeople to exhibit at their spring show, "Green With Indie." (I'm not swift with the puns either - if you're still scratching your head, just replace that last adjective with one of the deadly sins, the one associated with the color green.)
STLCM has room for about 100 local artists, as well as some local acoustic musicians, volunteers and environmental groups. Interested artists can apply by going to the Mafia's website, where you'll also find a list of FAQs; the deadline is February 1. The show is sponsored by Webster's Environmental Studies Committee (it'll be held on Webster's campus) and the entire event will be as no-waste and local as possible. So hopefully it goes without saying (even though I'm saying it) that if your work requires high-energy fabrication processses, or the use of gooey toxic resins, you might want to reconsider your project proposal for your application - these girls are serious about their mission, and will even be banning plastic bags from the premise; all the food and drink will be local, and they will sponsor an art supplies freecycle onsite.
The New York Times has made note of the fact that crafts stores and sites like Etsy.com were aided, not harmed, by the recession last month because people decided they'd get more bang for their buck by buying handmade or making their own gifts (the perception that the manufacturing sector seems to be doing its darndest to poison us probably fueled the fire, too). While those are bummer reasons to go to Jo-Ann Fabrics, I think these newly minted crafters will discover that making things with their own two hands can be its own reward. And of course, the challenge of using only recycled materials can make the project even more satisfying in the end, since it encourages ingenuity: check out these boots, for instance. Made by a Chilean design student, they are mostly recycled plastic bags; they are waterproof, lightweight and nontoxic, and also delightfully Joan Jett-ish. If I were not quite so terminally left-handed, I'd make myself a pair. And, ah! That reminds me: for the maladroit knitters and gluers out there (like me) take note that the STLICM will also be offering workshops at this event. —Stefene Russell
