Antique Feedsacks Inspire Contemporary Artistic Expression

MILWAUKEE - May 28, 2015 - PRLog -- An opening reception for “Bagging Culture,” an exhibition focusing on six local artists inspired by early 20th-century feedsacks, will be held Sunday, June 14, at Alfons Gallery from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The artists will present an artist talk and answer questions at 2:00 p.m.

Alfons Gallery is also partnering with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin to collect food for the hungry in a feedsack placed outside the Gallery. The exhibition and food collection will continue through August 9, 2015.

Featured artists include Gary John Gresl, Sonji Hunt, Sharon Kerry-Harlan, Dara Larson, Tori Tasch, and Chuck Wickler.

This exhibition is based on 1900s feedsacks printed with colorful and distinctive advertising that uniquely reflects the era and function of these bags. The participating artists were asked to create their own contemporary bag inspired by one of the sacks; both the artists’ bags and the antique sacks will be displayed together. Among the works showcased in this invitational exhibition:

Gary John Gresl’s work Taming the Prairie was inspired by the Bison Brand potato sack and addresses plains animals driven to the brink of extinction by settlers’ western expansion in the 19th century.

Chuck Wickler’s Money Bags (Where all the Money has Gone) is inspired by the Blue Chip potato sack and focuses on American corporations’ control of every aspect of our lives.

Sharon Kerry-Harlan’s The Power Within is inspired by the Big Buck potato sack and references how “big bucks” dominate society today. It also refers to the Native American shaman’s medicine bag and its power, raising the question of whether a money bag can offer the same strength and protection.

“The artists have explored their personal, artistic viewpoints on contemporary culture with diverse and thought-provoking results,” said Valerie Christell, Director and Curator of Alfons Gallery. “Additionally, other uniquely designed feedsacks will be included, along with background information about these utilitarian objects, which are now perceived differently through both artists’ and collectors’ eyes.”

Throughout the run of “Bagging Culture,” Alfons Gallery is collaborating with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, a Milwaukee-based food bank that distributes food to hunger-relief pantries, meal programs, and shelters. In keeping with the exhibition’s theme, special “feedsacks” will be located outside the Gallery and visitors to the show are invited to drop off food donations at any time. Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin will distribute donations to a network of 1,100 partner programs in 36 Wisconsin counties. The organization has provided more than 250 million meals since 1982, and Alfons Gallery is pleased to join their efforts.

Alfons Gallery is located at St. Joseph Center, 1501 S. Layton Blvd. (27th Street and Greenfield Avenue) in Milwaukee. Free parking is available in the lot that is accessible on 29th and Orchard (Alexia Circle entrance). For more information on Alfons Gallery, please email vchristell@sssf.org, call 414-385-5273, or visit the Gallery’s website at www.sssf.org/gallery. The Gallery is open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday from 12:00-3:00 p.m., and by appointment.

About Alfons Gallery

Alfons Gallery’s mission reflects the local and global work of the School Sisters of St. Francis.  Exhibitions explore cultures and advocate for social justice, peace and the environment through the artistic vision.  Special events aim to both educate and inspire viewers about our world and the impact every individual makes in it.

Our Cultural Shop’s mission is to expand cultural awareness and support artisans working in our global missions as well as regional fine craft. It also offers a range of cultural and religious artifacts.

About The School Sisters of St. Francis

The School Sisters of St. Francis are an international community of Catholic sisters who unite with others to build a just and peaceful world. Founded in 1874, they now have sisters, associates, staff, donors and volunteers actively working to address the needs of those who are poor and marginalized by society. Their mission is thriving throughout the United States, Europe, Latin America and India. For more information about the School Sisters of St. Francis, please visit www.sssf.org.