July 11, 2010 through Labor Day at the MAC Center for the Arts 138 Main Street, Newport, VT
Statewide Opening Ceremonies - Sunday, July 11th beginning at noon.
Adopt-a-Case Through the generoisty of our firends, we were able to give one of the double-sided plexiglas cases that house the 5,400+ abstract figurative sculptures representing fallen soldiers, as well as additional funds to keep the exhibit alie.
We'd lie to thank the following, as well as the general public for their gifts:
Columbia Forest Products, Passumpsic Savings Bank, Community National Bank, The American Legion, Brighton Post #80, Island Pond, VFW Ralph J. Mollica Post No. 793, St. Johnsbury, Robert L. Johnson VFW Post 771, Springfield, VT, Beverly M. LaRocque, St. Johnsbury Iso Marks, Ross MacCormack, Laurie Delabrurere, Thomas & Ann Volatile, Linda Pelletier, and Sydney Stevens
About the exhibit:
Thus far, Remembrance consists of 4600+ abstract figurative sculptures, each one hand sewn,
representing one American life lost in Iraq or Afghanistan. The figure is created using a single
tea bag which has been steeped and dried. Tea water is used to dye fabrics and strips of paper
containing the individual names of fallen soldiers. The intention of using tea is to infuse the
figure and name with comfort and reflection. Tea is closely linked with healing, both physically
and emotionally. In many cultures, tea is associated with ceremony and ritual. Shared socially
with family and friends, it has an inherent commonality.
Each figure is hand sewn; no glue, tape or adhesives are used in creating the figure. Sewing
alludes to concepts of healing; the closing of a wound, both emotionally and physically, as well
as connections to family and friends. Sewing is also meditative and rhythmic. It is very
comforting see participants reaching out and helping each other; threading needles, sharing
materials, and reading the soldiers names that they had chosen to memorialize.
The abstract figurative sculpture is created to reference the human form, and therefore should not
be a literal representation with all limbs and head intact. Many soldiers have been killed by
IEDs. Many bodies are burned or torn apart. This tragedy is reflected in the form; figures are
constructed with missing limbs and/or heads to mirror the harsh reality of war. This harshness is
tempered with the care, meditation, and warmth inherent in the sewing process, as well as the
bundling of fabrics infused with tea water during the dying process.
All figures include the name of the US service member represented. Some names are more
visible than others. It is important to note that some individuals chose to first wrap the tea bag
with the name, then bundle and sew the completed figure.
Nearly 1500+ individuals have contributed their time and energy towards this undertaking. After
its initial conception in terms of materials, methods, and installation, the endeavor has evolved
into a larger expression of empathy. Each abstract figurative sculpture, representing one
American soldier killed in Iraq or Afghanistan, is left to the individual to design and construct.
In this way, the memorial belongs to the masses. Its progress is influenced by the investment of
each individual and continues to grow and evolve.
Artist Statemnet
Remembrance is an ongoing communal artistic response to human loss as a result of the war in
Iraq and Afghanistan. The arts and the process of a shared art making experience, have the
potential to engage a community in a very profound way. Participation in the creation of
Remembrance encourages discussions of beliefs, perceptions and observations, as these concepts
relate to loss, memory and war.
This memorial allows participants to become both creator and
observer. The individual first fashions the abstract figurative sculpture to represent the fallen
soldier in community with others. The figure is then joined with the communal sculpture and
becomes part of the gestalt of Remembrance. The individual then revisits the experience of
creation when confronted by the collective mass of figures: he seeks out "his person", reflects
on the moments of his experiences, and shares them with others. In this way, the fallen soldier is
initially remembered and then continues to be reflected upon as more people share in this
collaborative artistic endeavor.
Merilee Bowers conceived and implemented Remembrance at Somerset High School where she
teaches in the Visual Arts Department. She earned her BFA Sculpture form the University of
Massachusetts, Dartmouth, as well as her Masters in Expressive Art Therapy from Lesley
University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Attend a Remembrance workshop
Participants will create abstract figurative sculptures to update Remembrance as new casualties are realized. Children 14 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
This is a Memorial in process and will continue until all fallen soldiers are represented. Please check the schedule of events page to locate a workshop in your area. All materials provided. No fee required, however donations accepted.
Workshops are limited to 20 people at each. Dates and times will be listed in the calendar along with a registration application.
To learn more about Remembrance: A Memorial, visit the exhibit's website at Remembrance-Memorial.org.
exhibit calendar
February 4th - The MAC Board sets dates for exhibit.
July 9th- Workshop 6 pm - 7:30 pm (see above)
July 10th- Workshop1 pm - 2:30 pm (see above)
July 11th - Statewide Opening Ceremonies for the Exhibit, beginning at Noon on Main Street,
September 6th - Exhibit closes at 6 pm.
Remembrance: A Memorial Dedicated to US Servicemen & Women who have lost their lives in Iraq & Afghanistan as well as those who continue to serve...
Page content and photos used by permission of Merilee Bowers
The exhibit or promotion of it may not be used for promoting political views.
Copyright 2010 by the Memphremagog Arts Collaborative, Inc. - Content and photos shown on this webpage may not be reproduced without permission.
About the exhibit:
All figures include the name of the US service member represented. Some names are more
visible than others. It is important to note that some individuals chose to first wrap the tea bag
with the name, then bundle and sew the completed figure.
Artist Statemnet
