Help Send Paula's Glass Potatoes to Ireland
Donation protected
Introduction
Did you know that March is Irish Heritage Month in the USA?
What better time to share with you that my art installation 1845: Memento Mori is finally making its journey to Ireland in 2021!
In preparation for a series of exhibits, I am transporting 2,000 handblown glass potatoes at the end of March. The first port of call is the Irish Heritage Trust property at Strokestown Park House in County Roscommon. This will be the kick-off of a travelling exhibition including two national museums, over the next few years.
And I am asking for your help to get it there.
What is this project about?
For those not familiar with this work, I have created a memorial to the Irish Famine. It is made from 1,845 handblown glass potatoes. The number is significant as it was in 1845 that the potato blight came to Ireland, marking the beginning of a period of mass starvation, disease, and emigration.
The social fabric of Ireland changed forever, with over 1.5 million people perishing, and a further 1 million people scattered across the globe. I am part of the modern-day diaspora, of which I am proud to be counted.
Today over 70 million people worldwide claim Irish heritage, many of whom can trace their lineage back to this period in history.
The Story So Far
1845: Memento Mori premiered in the summer of 2019 at the Jefferson County Museum of Art and History in Port Townsend, Washington, and later was shown at METHOD Gallery in Seattle.
Its concept gained great public interest, connecting with people who are Irish, of Irish descent and beyond.
“The past is present in 1845: Memento Mori, a ghostly embodiment in 1,845 glass blown potatoes that take on a new collective shape with every installation. Stokes breathes life—quite literally in the production of each glass-blown piece—into this physical reminder of human fragility and resilience, collapsing past into present in a rumination on immigration and inheritance. The result is a luminous work, at the same time emotionally expansive and deeply, earthily rooted. “ - Fiona Mc Cann, Deputy Editor at Portland Monthly Magazine
The groundwork was laid to exhibit the work in Ireland in 2020 at two major properties managed by the Irish Heritage Trust. Unfortunately, because of the year that was in it, the exhibitions had to be postponed.
But I never gave up hope on showcasing the project to an Irish audience. Together with the support of a small army of champions, both here in the USA, and in Ireland, we kept the story of this project alive, and the torch burning.
How can you help?
Though this project is my idea, and largely self-financed, its creation would not have been made possible without the many hands, heads, and hearts that have helped me create, build, envision, and present it.
The next leg of this journey is about to begin. As it travels to different venues in Ireland, its story will evolve. Each presentation of the work will adapt and respond to the specific venue in which it is placed, constantly changing in form.
I invite you to join a community that has already rallied to bring this project to fruition, and be part of a journey in which we can discover our commonalities, and learn from our shared humanity.
The cost of carefully packing and transporting the potatoes roundtrip from Seattle to Ireland is close to $10,000. At this point, I have not sought out public grants or private corporate support. I am creating this mini campaign to rally my friends and supporters who have asked how they can help.
How your gift works?
There is a $5 minimum contribution but no limit to what you can give!
A gift of:
$5 will transport one potato.
$50 will transport 10 potatoes.
$100 will transport 20 potatoes.
$250 will transport 50 potatoes.
More information
I have created a dedicated website, and an exhibition catalog, that document the project so far. I will keep adding to them as the work travels. If you intend to travel to Ireland, you can savor the experience in person. If you cannot see the work in person you will be able to enjoy its journey, through beautiful photography, video, and insightful writing.
https://www.1845mementomori.com/
Go raibh míle maith agaibh!
Thank You!
The Fine Print- please read
· Please note that contributions are not tax- deductible.
· Contributions do not include a glass potato- the 2,000 includes extras in case of inevitable breakage, and I need them all.
Did you know that March is Irish Heritage Month in the USA?
What better time to share with you that my art installation 1845: Memento Mori is finally making its journey to Ireland in 2021!
In preparation for a series of exhibits, I am transporting 2,000 handblown glass potatoes at the end of March. The first port of call is the Irish Heritage Trust property at Strokestown Park House in County Roscommon. This will be the kick-off of a travelling exhibition including two national museums, over the next few years.
And I am asking for your help to get it there.
What is this project about?
For those not familiar with this work, I have created a memorial to the Irish Famine. It is made from 1,845 handblown glass potatoes. The number is significant as it was in 1845 that the potato blight came to Ireland, marking the beginning of a period of mass starvation, disease, and emigration.
The social fabric of Ireland changed forever, with over 1.5 million people perishing, and a further 1 million people scattered across the globe. I am part of the modern-day diaspora, of which I am proud to be counted.
Today over 70 million people worldwide claim Irish heritage, many of whom can trace their lineage back to this period in history.
The Story So Far
1845: Memento Mori premiered in the summer of 2019 at the Jefferson County Museum of Art and History in Port Townsend, Washington, and later was shown at METHOD Gallery in Seattle.
Its concept gained great public interest, connecting with people who are Irish, of Irish descent and beyond.
“The past is present in 1845: Memento Mori, a ghostly embodiment in 1,845 glass blown potatoes that take on a new collective shape with every installation. Stokes breathes life—quite literally in the production of each glass-blown piece—into this physical reminder of human fragility and resilience, collapsing past into present in a rumination on immigration and inheritance. The result is a luminous work, at the same time emotionally expansive and deeply, earthily rooted. “ - Fiona Mc Cann, Deputy Editor at Portland Monthly Magazine
The groundwork was laid to exhibit the work in Ireland in 2020 at two major properties managed by the Irish Heritage Trust. Unfortunately, because of the year that was in it, the exhibitions had to be postponed.
But I never gave up hope on showcasing the project to an Irish audience. Together with the support of a small army of champions, both here in the USA, and in Ireland, we kept the story of this project alive, and the torch burning.
How can you help?
Though this project is my idea, and largely self-financed, its creation would not have been made possible without the many hands, heads, and hearts that have helped me create, build, envision, and present it.
The next leg of this journey is about to begin. As it travels to different venues in Ireland, its story will evolve. Each presentation of the work will adapt and respond to the specific venue in which it is placed, constantly changing in form.
I invite you to join a community that has already rallied to bring this project to fruition, and be part of a journey in which we can discover our commonalities, and learn from our shared humanity.
The cost of carefully packing and transporting the potatoes roundtrip from Seattle to Ireland is close to $10,000. At this point, I have not sought out public grants or private corporate support. I am creating this mini campaign to rally my friends and supporters who have asked how they can help.
How your gift works?
There is a $5 minimum contribution but no limit to what you can give!
A gift of:
$5 will transport one potato.
$50 will transport 10 potatoes.
$100 will transport 20 potatoes.
$250 will transport 50 potatoes.
More information
I have created a dedicated website, and an exhibition catalog, that document the project so far. I will keep adding to them as the work travels. If you intend to travel to Ireland, you can savor the experience in person. If you cannot see the work in person you will be able to enjoy its journey, through beautiful photography, video, and insightful writing.
https://www.1845mementomori.com/
Go raibh míle maith agaibh!
Thank You!
The Fine Print- please read
· Please note that contributions are not tax- deductible.
· Contributions do not include a glass potato- the 2,000 includes extras in case of inevitable breakage, and I need them all.
Organizer
Paula Stokes
Organizer
Seattle, WA