We welcome Laura McBride to our space as our Spring Artist in Residence from April – June.
Laura is an activist working to promote and advocate for living Downtown. She’s been a member of many community organizations, is a founder of the Hohner Porch Party, Chair of the Central Frederick neighbourhood association and on the Board of Directors of the Downtown neighbourhood Alliance and the organizing committee of the Frederick Street Art Walk.
Laura is a painter, photographer and very enthusiastic believer in civic engagement. Kwartzlab represents a lot of the interests that she belongs to and she is excited to spend some time with community of creatives working together.
Project Proposal
What would happen if you were walking down the street and you saw something out of the ordinary?
…you’d kind of laugh and keep walking.
Now, what would happen if you saw it again? and then AGAIN?
You’d realize that something is going on and that by noticing it, you have become part of something out of the ordinary. In our neighbourhood we are starting something magical and hope to see it spread all over Downtown. Fairy Doors, is a sweet and simple way of engaging in your surroundings and connecting to the village that you live in, no matter the size.
What are they? Small rectangles painted to look like doors. No hinges, no moving parts.
Where are they? Anywhere on the front of a property.
Where will people get one for their house? Make one. Buy one.
I am leading workshops to apply trim and paint around the doors. These are quite simple, all detail will be painted, and are meant to be seen from afar.
What benefit does a tiny door have on community?
This is a large scale initiative created to include as many people as possible, in building, hosting, searching and walking by. Fairy searchers can print and follow our map, or just search for them on a leisurely summer stroll or a long cold walk home from school. Giving children and families and excuse to go out and explore and become familiar with their own neighbourhood is invaluable. Giving residents an reason to feel pride in a quirky unexpected community art installation.
Stay tuned as we will be announcing some upcoming workshops on making your own Fairy Door at kwartzlab!