Collective Works together for Calgary Community Project

Needs, 2012 by Paperdolls, mixed media on paper,
 (Alana Sproule, Jill Price, Liz Eakins and Lee Richmond)

Last Saturday the Paperdolls spent Saturday brainstorming upcoming opportunities and creating collective collage works.  Playing pass the paper, this rarely stopped anyone from reaching over the piece in front of them to add to a piece across the table. At the end of the day, we selected a work to send out to a cool project in Calgary called Papergirl, which will showcase works on paper from across Canada in the Epcor Centre for Performing Arts from August 8th til 17th.  After the show, all of the works will be rolled up like newspapers and distributed free of charge into the community.  The idea of giving away artwork for free usually makes me cringe, as it somehow seems to undervalue what we do as artists.  However in this case, our afternoon of fun wasn't as much as about producing a masterpiece as it was about nurturing and getting to know our community within the collective, and so to send out a work for this cool concept seemed appropriate.  Come to the closing reception at the Double Door Gallery to see the other 4 works created collectively as well as engage with the final independent installations by all artists involved.  Want to get your hands dirty?  You can still make a paper mache farmer doll to add to the stack of the "forgotten farmers" piled up in my installation called "Unfed".  See you Saturday from 12 - 4 for snacks and fun!

Big day tomorrow at Double Door Gallery!

Tomorrow is the day when the paper dolls will come together to brainstorm our next projects, make collaborative works, and invite the public to make paper collages and sculptures along side us as we work towards the completion of our installation to be opened next week.  Don't want to get your hands dirty, then simply take a seat and read one of the many zines illustrated and written by Alana Sproule.  Her wacky sarcastic sense of humour will have you in stitches.  Be sure to pack a lunch or snack if you are coming for the full afternoon.  Check out the existing elements of the show by visiting this link. Installation Shots of Unbound Exhibition in Anten Mills

Paperdolls at Double Door!

The Paperdolls are showing at Double Door Gallery in Anten Mills! Our name is on the sign and everything, our first show as a collective and it's going to be a good one.

The Paperdolls at this show are: Jill Price, Liz Eakins, Jenn Guerin, Lee Richmond and Alana Sproule.


Unbound: Women united by paper
A collection of work by the Paperdolls Collective
Double Door Gallery
4004 Horseshoe Valley Road West, Anten Mills, Ontario
July 14 to July 29 (The Paperdolls will be in the gallery Saturdays and Sundays noon to 4pm, all other times by chance or appointment)

Closing Reception: Saturday July 28, 12-4pm

During the month of July, five female artists will be working collaboratively at the Double Door gallery to create a series of installations and works on paper. Join in on the fun each Saturday and Sunday from 12 til 4 or simply check out the finished works on Saturday, July 28th. Have unwanted works on paper, handmade papers or cool collaging scraps of the stuff, donate it to artists who will treasure it.

The Paperdolls Collective begins to unfold!

Collage on Paper by Jill Price

During Artist Project 2012 two artists by the names of Lee Richmond and Jill Price quietly worked their booths occasionally taking a break once in awhile to take in other aritst's work in the show.  Jill, enthralled by Lee's bold use of colour and collaged elements, immediately thought of her collage works and sewn paper pieces stored back in her studio in Barrie.   Acknowledging the benefits of working collaboratively,  Jill asked Lee if she would be interested in forming a collective.  Lee bubbled with excitement, and so began the search for other artists who may want to get involved.  While driving back to Barrie that night, Jill immediately thought of Barrie artist Alana Sproule, an upcycling fashion designer who has a secret passion for creating and trading zines.  Alana Sproule then invited another local artist Jenn Guerin to participate based on her amazing paper installations combining player piano scrolls, image transfers, text and stitching.  With some more thought, Jill invited Creemore artist Liz Eakins, an amazing printmaker who also combines text and stitching in her minimalist approach to image making.   With five artists on the sidelines, Jill decided to utilize an exhibition space she won in an art auction to premiere the collective's first show.  Entitled "Unbound", this show will feature individual works by all five artists as well as facilitate collaborative projects for the artists and visiting audience.  Stayed tuned as the collective begins to post their progress.