Category: Art Contest

The SmartyPants Project 

by Lisa Ganci

The Smarty Pants Project is art & industry woven together with an entrepreneurial ambition that is deeply rooted in social and environmental responsibility.

SmartyPants were designed specifically for the cloth-diapered babe, yet they look fabulous on all children ages 3 months to 3 years.  Each pair is a one of a kind combination of color, pattern & texture merged with design and function.  They are made from donated, recycled and/or vintage cotton fabric gathered from local sources.  What also makes these pants dance is that a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Rays of Hope, a rock your socks organization that gives so much to the families of the Pioneer Valley who are coping with cancer. 

This funky, trade-marked design incorporates a “butt-panel” that provide extra room for a diaper, and equally important, the panel creates a look that is so fun.  The waist is a simple 3/4″ elastic band for easy on/off action and comfort.  Each pair is assembled, by local folks, with a serger for durable high quality finished seams.

A true ‘smartypants’ is one who is committed, with every stitch, to being socially and environmentally responsible.  That’s us!

By using donated, recycled and/or vintage fabric, employing local folks, and generating a low-carbon footprint, I’m making clothing that, (much like local food is to a locavore), is sustainable and beautiful!   Starting with a pair of pants, this project is turning a little piece of the garment industry up-side-down by creating a beautiful children’s line that is truly sustainable, practical, and affordable.

The idea for this project was born at the time my daughter Stella was 21 months old and I   was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Cancer turned my world upside-down as well as
inspired me to launch this dual-purpose mission, one that, already at such an early stage, has brought me great joy and a sense of purpose.  I turned to the sewing machine for comfort and have become a wild sewing-mama ever since!  As part of deepening my commitment to live more green, SmartyPants and my love of sewing are traveling down a unique path, one even richer in color and texture than I previously imagined.  Our goal is to succeed at operating a local endeavor that is steadfast in it’s social and environmental initiatives.

 
 A sustainable clothing line for young children & the planet
 
I vow to generate a low-carbon footprint in the entire cycle of creating and selling SmartyPants and commit to initiatives that off-set what footprints I do make.  I promise to have fun, to dance in my pants and live by the motto of what it really means to be a smartypants living on this planet.

a few of my future goals and initiatives:
 

• search for a source of new fabric that is truly sustainable (like organic bamboo but grown in the pioneer valley, hmm?)
• convert our equipment over to wind-up sewing machines & sergers, (that is, if wind-up technology ever makes its way into the garment industry.)
• on our super sunny property we will build a green sewing studio and warehouse.
• purchase a bio-diesel vehicle for collection of fabric and delivery of orders.
• increase my donations to other local agencies that do great things for the community.

Sun Farmer

by Nicholas Taupier

For the Art of Sustainability contest, I am proposing to research, write, and draw a graphic novel about sustainability.  Entitled Sun Farmer, it would be set in the not-too-distant future, in a time when people’s wanton use of energy and lack of foresight has left gas prices soaring, energy shortages sweeping the nation, and global warming changing the environment in which we live.  In the setting, the book’s protagonist seeks to create a life for himself, where he can live sustainably off the land, and provide clean, renewable energy to others, all through the power of the sun.  Given the quality of the land in the Pioneer Valley, it would make a fine setting for our Sun Farmer, although the scope of the book would make it clear that these are tenable and noble goals no matter where you live.  To get a better idea of the concept of sun farmer, please read the attached pages, and consider them to be a “trailer” for the completed work, as you would see for a feature film.

Artists’ Statement:
It’s time that we face it: each year, the sun sends to earth many thousands of times more energy than even we humans use.  It would only take an area the size of a small country covered in solar panels to supply all of the energy that the entire worlds needs each year.  Sustainable energy is fully within our grasp, yet somehow it continues to elude us.  Sun Farmer would provide factual evidence of the ways in which solar energy could improve our lives and preserve our world (through all manners; industrial, agricultural, and otherwise), and a fictionalized (although based in fact) account of what the world may look like if we continue down the path of wasteful energy usage and pollution causing sources. 
   

I believe that a graphic novel is the perfect format to spread a message of sustainability; through the combination of words and pictures, I will clearly be able to present information about sustainability, and do so in a way that is dynamic and interesting to a wide audience.  I believe that presenting in this format will make the concept accessible to more people, draw them in with the story, and then get them thinking about, and hopefully acting on, what they read. 
   

In its completed form, the graphic novel will be fully drawn in ink, colored, and approximately 25-35 pages in length.  I am proposing that the final project be posed on the Internet, on its own website, which could be set up and maintained through the budget from the contest.  There are several reasons for realizing the project through this method; first, in the name of sustainability, publishing the graphic novel on the Internet would negate the need for reprinted paper copies of the book, which would be costly, and not very sustainable.  Second, it would allow us to reach a wider audience; not only in the Pioneer Valley, but all over the world as well.  This way, the final product will be accessible to virtually anyone, anytime, anywhere.
   

Although creatively this is my own project, as I will be writing and drawing it myself, Sun Farmer will be a somewhat collaborative project, in order to cut down on some of the work I will have to do myself, and to create it in a fuller form than I would be able to alone.  To this end, my friend Chris Manchester, another artist from the Pioneer Valley area, with whom I attend school and have worked with before, is ready and willing to do the coloring for Sun Farmer.  Chris is usually a painter, although he has worked in a wide variety of styles, formats, and media, and I know his work and help will bring great beauty and life and each of the pages of Sun Farmer.  I also plan to get another person to set up the web page for me, so that I do not have to spend time doing it myself within the timeframe for the completion of the project.  I already know several web designers from the Valley area who are willing and able to work on this project with me, so the only question is to pick exactly which one.
   

I know that together we can work to make Sun Farmer a great success and inspirational work.  The materials should not have much effect on the cost of the project; recycled paper, inks, and coloring supplies are all readily available and fairly inexpensive, so the largest costs would be hosting the website and compensating the people working on the project for the amount of time and effort that would have to go into a project of this magnitude.

Education:
Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York.  2005-present.

Work experience:
Orchard and grounds maintainer; New Salem Preserves, 2005-present (summers only)
New Salem Preserves is a small low-spray orchard and organic garden, where I have been the sole continuous employee for four years now.  There I have learned many techniques for protecting and growing fruit bearing trees and bushes with limited or no chemical means, and minimal impact on the environment. 

Unfortunately, since I am but on the cusp of my senior year of college, I have not yet had much time to build a career around or a public archive of my work, and thus do not any way to grant you access to my prior works and endeavors other than in person.  I do not, however, want you to mistake this for a lack of experience.  For many years now I have been completing and working on graphic novels and other works of comic art, for reasons ranging from school projects (which have been completed in time frames ranging from a few weeks to several months), works for my own edification (I have several finished and on-going works), and my current employment (I am currently finishing work on a script for a dramatic/comedic graphic novel about student life).  The topics of my works have ranged from mystery, to fantasy, to an historical graphic novel about the exile of the Kalmyks by the Stalinist Russians, to analysis of existential philosophy, to stories based on real life events.  I am wholly committed to this work, readily to look critically at this issue, and would love the opportunity from you to move Sun Farmer from a vision into an actuality.

Art Contest Submission

by Cassandra Holden and Jill St. Coeur

Jill St. Coeur – Bio
I hold a Master’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in “Clothing and Human Behavior” and have held the position of Costumer in the Theatre Department at Smith College for 20 years.  In addition to working for Smith, I have designed and constructed costumes locally for the Five College Dance Department, Sorvino Dance, Candance Saylers, and Rodger Blum.  Nationally, I have worked with Yvonne Daniel, Jowalle Willa Jo Zollar of Urban Bush Women, The Talking Band of New York, and Florentine Films.  As a member of the Costume Society of America, Textile Society of America and the North American Textile Conservation Group I have been able explore costume design in an historical and cultural context.   Most recently I attended a conservation conference in Mexico City and in New Orleans where I participated in volunteer conservation work at the Jackson Barracks, a military museum damaged by Hurricane Katrina.  In 2002 I was involved in the mounting of “The Northampton Silk Project” exhibit at Smith College.  While serving on the Board of Directors at the Fiber Arts Center in Amherst from 2002-2004 I curated the exhibits “Haitian Voodoo Flags” and “Psychological Clothing” work by Kate Kretz.

Cassandra J. Holden Experience
cassandraholden.com

Education:
Smith College.  Northampton, MA.  BA anticipated January 2010.
MassArt.  Boston, MA.  2004-2005.
Alfred University.  Alfred, NY.  1991.

Practical Experience:
1998-present    Designer and Owner, Cassandra’s.  Northampton, MA.
For the past ten years I have run a custom clothing design studio.  With the help of a team of talented stitchers, beaders, and embroideresses the shop has been building one of a kind garments for discerning clients nationwide.  In addition to clothing, I have been responsible for the creation of costumes, sculpture, and home decorating projects, as well as the restoration and renovation of vintage garments.  In recent years the shop has collaborated with a variety of local artists in a wide range of disciplines including Pat Hayes, Jane Herzenberg, Peter Dellert, Chris Nelson, Micala Sidore, Sarah Beth Atherton, David Hurwith, and Krisen Day.

Teaching Experience:
Summer 2007    Snow Farm,  Weekend Intensive in Fibers. Mobile making workshop for youth.
Fall 2007    Northampton Center for the Arts.  Pattern drafting: principles of flat pattern design.
Spring 2008    Northampton Center for the Arts.  Pattern drafting: creating a custom sloper.
Spring 2008    Northampton Center for the Arts.  Pattern drafting: creating a pants sloper that fits.

 
Selected Exhibitions and Events and Projects:
2008, April.  Custom Bridal Attire.  Skera Gallery, Northampton, MA.
Runway show of wedding attire featuring vintage elements and color. 

2008, January.  Project Runway.  Belchertown High School.  Belchertown, MA.
Panel judge and creation of internship opportunity for winning contestant.

2007, October.  Recent Custom Work.  Skera Gallery, Northampton, MA 
Runway show of custom clothing featuring formal attire, suiting, and costumes.

2007, September.  New Trends in Felt.  Fiberarts Center, Amherst, MA.
Group exhibition.  Collaboration with Christine White.

2006, October.  Basics.  Skera Gallery, Northampton, MA. 
Creation of a line of simple formal separates for the art-to-wear gallery.

2006, October.  Swamp Thing.  Daily Hampshire Gazette.  Northampton, MA.
Creation of original Halloween costume and directions for special segment for readers.

2005, July.  Screen.  UMass Medical Center, Worcester, MA.
Collaborative construction of printed screen with artist Peter Kitchell.

2004, November.  Mobile.  St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital, Tampa, FL.
Collaborative construction of large scale mobile with artist Peter Kitchell.

2003, October.  Roadkill.  Skera Gallery, Northampton, MA.
Debut of a line of faux fur and irreverant wearables.

Professional Memberships:
Women Business Owners Alliance
Northampton Chamber of Commerce
Hampshire County Smith Club

Hydrogen Hybrid Vehicle Proposal

By-Owen A. Williams

Sustainability is something that seems to conflict with our capitalist society, but I feel fortunate to live in the Pioneer Valley where many people see differently. I believe the best way for us to recognize and act on the concept of sustainability it through strengthening our local economy there by reducing our needs from the rest of the world. My proposal is aimed to reduce our need for energy, and generate more jobs in the Valley.

To reduce fuel consumption many people buy new, more efficient cars, but to make a new car is incredibly wasteful. Building a new car requires a huge amount of energy, especially today when most car parts are made overseas. In a country where we have more cars than people we don’t need to make new cars. It would be far more ecologically aware to improve the cars that are already on the road. My objective is to install conversions on cars already in use in the Pioneer Valley that would reduce fuel consumption and greatly reduce climate-changing emissions.

I will install a system on cars that uses conventional fuel (bio-fuel and or petroleum) and makes supplementary fuel from the vast amount of squandered heat cars emit. The fuel made will be hydrogen and oxygen gas in perfect proportion for combustion. The hydrogen, being produced on-bored the vehicle during oppression, will avoided the complications of storing hydrogen. The hydrogen will be made from water, by separating the molecules with an electrical current. A generator, run by a compact steam turbine, will produce this current. The steam will come from a boiler that can easily be added to the cars exhaust system. It the future of this project the engine block cooling system will be incorporated for greater efficiency, but to start off that would be to complicated and costly.

The future of this project is not limited to automobiles. The basic technology can be implemented with anything that releases high temperature exhaust. As a Glass Blower I have designed this type of system for use with a glass furnace, and I am sure there are many other applications in the Valley I have not thought of.

To start this mission I will make a proto-type with an older car, most likely an old Subaru as they are popular in this area, and I’m quite familiar with the mechanics of them. The boiler system will cost more than the car, the majority of which will be made by local machine shops. Unifrax I LLC of New York has already donated some high temperature insulation, which will be needed. I have found someone who had developed a compact and inexpensive turbine that will be well suited for this project. Additional parts and equipment will be required, but it will all fit into the allotted budget. Five thousand dollars is a tight budget for a project requiring an automobile, but I am certain that I can see this project through with my careful planing and resourcefulness.  

The first car will be auctioned off after the public unveiling. This will bring in the funding needed to make this project into a business that can offer this vehicle alteration to all people in the Valley. I also aim to convert public vehicles such as police cars and busses with surplus profits and hopefully some grant money. I hope you find my ideas and goals of a more sustainable, greener, and happier Valley unified with yours’.

The Vegan Bus Solar Installation   

by Derek Goodwin

From Concept to Final Work
A minimum 260-Watt solar photovoltaic (PV) system will be added to the bus. Two or more solar panels (rated for RV and Marine use) will run along the top front of the bus. They will connect to a deep cycle battery system below the bus that will store the energy. The batteries will output to an inverter that will translate the energy from the 12 Volt Batteries into 120 Volt power. From the inverter a wiring system will distribute the power to outlets on the bus to power lights, refrigeration, computers, and a PA system we will use in our outreach.

But Is It Art?
I believe it will take vast acts of imagination to transform our civilizations to conscious and sustainable ones. It is the mission of the artist to help people transcend their traditions and evolutionary inertias. The concept of The Vegan Bus came to me when I had the epiphany that I was dreaming too small. I realized that the world needed a vehicle of transformation. An artistic statement on wheels that would attract people by its very nature and leave them with something to think about. An artwork they could admire from the outside, or climb aboard and engage. Added to that a group of performers and activists to convey the Sustainable Message in a variety of ways.

The Sustainable Message
As the name implies, The Vegan Bus does not eat animals. In a November of 2006 report the United Nations found that “rearing cattle produces more greenhouse gases than driving cars”. This message is becoming more prevalent in mainstream media and is only the tip of the melting iceberg when it comes to the unsustainable practices of modern animal agriculture. Our message is that we need to put sustainable energy not only into our homes, vehicles and appliances but also into our own bodies. As vast populations such as China and India become more industrialized it is imperative that we turn towards sustainability both in energy sources and consumption. The Earth cannot support billions more people living the current US lifestyle. To that end The Vegan Bus’ mission is to promote solar and wind technologies, sustainable biofuels, and a plant-based diet.
 

Think Globally, Act Locally
As a citizen of Pioneer Valley I am committed to local outreach. The bus can travel to local events and schools to educate, and can also to transport local people to events near and far. With our network of musicians, dancers, hula hoopers and DJs we are able to have amazing local events that bring people together for fun while giving them an education at the same time. On any given day a giant school bus with solar panels will draw a crowd wherever it goes, and create a local buzz. I believe it will also be a presence in the Pioneer Valley that will inspire creativity and generate discussions around alternative fuels and a plant based lifestyle. With any luck it will even draw attention from the outside world to our progressive community.

More Information about The Vegan Bus Project at www.TheVeganBus.com
A description of The Vegan Bus WVO Conversion: http://theveganbus.com/about/wvo_conversion/

Experience
1995 BFA in Fine Art Photography at the Rochester Institute of Technology
1997 Studied a certificate program in Computer Multimedia at Monroe Community College
2000-present Proprietor of Derek Goodwin Photography in Northampton, MA

A Short Biography Of My Vegan Activism:
Derek Goodwin has been a vegan since 1996 and is an advocate of using art and media to promote compassion and a cruelty-free lifestyle. As a photographer he is known internationally for his photographs of sanctuary farm animals. In 2000 he started a web-based community for vegan artists called Veganica.com. In 2005 he began broadcasting an FM radio show and podcast about veganism called Vegan Radio out of Northampton, MA, which is now widely popular. Currently he is working on The Vegan Bus Project, which features a full-sized school bus that runs on waste vegetable oil and will be used to promote sustainable energy and a plant-based diet.

Recent Artistic Endeavors:
March 2008 “Heads 2 Hoops” exhibit at The Green Bean café in Northampton along with Megan E LaBonte.
June 7, 2008 Exhibit of cow photographs at The Twilight Tea Lounge in Brattleboro, VT
June 13, 2008 Farm Animal Photographs exhibited as part of the “Storefront Art Project” group show sponsored by local non-profit Commonwealth Center For Change (C3). Derek is a curator for the Storefront Art Project that will place art and artists into empty storefronts in Northampton, helping to enrich the culture of Pioneer Valley.