As the deadline to submit artwork to Papergirl this year draws near, I am reminded of the power in sharing art with others, and the ripple effect that this can have. Since finding out about the project, I became fascinated by the idea of where an artwork might end up when it is released from an exhibition space and distributed to an unsuspecting public. The personal trajectories of these artworks and the untold stories of how they end up in people's homes form an important part of the project. Each piece of art that has been donated to the project is documented and archived, so that members of the public have the possibility to learn more about contributing artists, to potentially thank them for the gift they received, and to take further interest in their work. In this way, gifting art helps artists connect with members in their communities, and the public to connect with practicing artists in their communities. By ending up in the hands and homes of unsuspecting strangers, art can redefine its potential to bring people together.
Papergirl welcomes artists of all ages and abilities to participate by donating their art to the project. We hope many of you will be inspired to share the gift of art with others.