#stayhome

Calgary artist launches charitable art project encouraging people to #stayhome

Artist, owner of Jewelnotes studio and 2019 Made In Alberta Award winner Michelle Atkinson is uniting creativity and charity with the launch of her #StayHome line of glass houses — a project that acknowledges Canadians practicing social distancing and isolation during this unprecedented time of Covid-19 pandemic. Starting Saturday, April 25, 2020 Atkinson offered hundreds of one-of-a-kind, house-shaped glass sculptures for sale — with a portion of proceeds going to the Calgary Food Bank.

The project launched Saturday, April 25 with a live Instagram art show. Guests were encouraged to put on their party clothes, pour a Whisky Sour using a recipe from the Pucker: A Cookbook for Citrus Lovers (or cocktail of their choice) and join Atkinson as she unveiled the collection of glass houses, talked about the inspiration behind the project and answered questions at the virtual gallery opening. The Instagram live party started at 7 p.m. MT.

Typically inspired by the natural world, the pandemic and social-distancing measures allowed Atkinson to find a new muse in what’s visible from her living space: cascades of homes where Calgarians were isolating to help flatten the curve in the Covid-19 pandemic.

“While separated by physical distance, we are all connected with a shared experience. This artwork mirrors the current moment in which humankind stands together,” says Atkinson.

The 300 glass houses — of all shapes, sizes and colours — highlight the individual experience of  dealing with a global pandemic, but, when viewed as a whole, represent a visual landscape of the way we are all connected, even in our separate spaces.

“What the crisis gives us is a once-in-a-life chance to see ourselves and our country in the plainest of views. These small, brightly coloured sculptures represent physical space, us in our homes, but also the hope, love and community that has risen through the pandemic,” says Atkinson.

Building on the community theme, buyers will were encouraged to share photos of their glass houses residing in their new homes on Instagram, by tagging @jewelnotes.

Taking glass scrap and old works, Atkinson breathed new life into the materials, constructing large slabs of glass that she then cut down, cold worked into house shapes and then oiled — with a soothing blend of essential oils — to give the houses both shiny and matte finishes. This treatment gives the houses a glow when put into the light.

Houses were sold by random based on a buyers’ selections of colour and price. In a unique twist, each will be priced by weight. Buyers will be able to choose a price point and colour — blues, pinks, earth tones and more — and Atkinson will hand picked a house.

In light of Covid-19 safety measures, contactless curbside pickup was available to customers in Calgary and area. Paid shipping options through Canada Post offered for buyers outside of the city.

For each sale, Atkinson donated 25 per cent to the Calgary Food Bank — an organization that has seen a steep increase in need in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.