Art is Culture: Sewing Stories with Rosy Petri
Rosy needs help to purchase a long arm quilting machine to continue sewing stories!
Project Description
My name is rosy petri, and I am a self-taught artist sewing stories through quilting.
I create radiant fabric portraits using African wax prints, batik, and vintage fabrics. My work depicts cultural icons and ordinary people because I believe in bearing witness and publicly celebrating everyday saints. The portraits I create become part of the people's history by providing visible record of diasporan lives and legacy.
Now in my third year as a full-time fiber artist, my works are being shown in galleries, museums, and other places across the country. Being able to participate in these shows means sharing culture and story with larger audiences. It also means I have to work on a larger scale.
For this campaign, I'm raising $25,000 to upgrade from my secondhand sewing machine to a professional long-arm quilting machine. These machines range from $5,000 to $40,000 on the high end. With some incredible opportunities on the horizon, I'm finally ready to make the leap. I'm looking to my community for support.
I see myself as a visual storycatcher. The last few years, I have committed myself to this practice by participating in programs, trainings, and residencies:
- PopUpMKE, RISE Entrepreneurship Program, MARN Mentors (2018/19)
- Pfister Hotel 11th Artist-in-Residence (2019/20)
- Mildred L. Harpole Artist of the Year, Mary L. Nohl Fellow, Emerging Artist ( 2020)
- Inagural Artist in Residence, bell hooks Center at Berea College (2021)
My fabric gestures and portraits can be seen outside the Milwaukee County Executive's office, inside the Northwest Mutual Giving Gallery, and as part of the permanent collection at the Pfister Hotel. I'm currently co-chair for ImagineMKE's Public Policy committee and proud member of the Kujichagulia Producer's Cooperative. I'm asking my community for support to upgrade the studio setup with a professional machine that allows me to keep sewing our stories!
I am honored by the encouragement I have received these last few years, and grateful for the opportunity to share my work with a larger audience. Thank you for supporting the Art is Culture campaign. Head over to the perks page for campaign exclusive merch, limited edition prints, and the opportunity to commission your very own fabric portrait or gesture.
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How long will it take to get my stuff?
Rewards have variable delivery times. Postcards and prints will arrive sometime in August, originals will take longer based on commission list number. If you have questions, please reach out.
- How does the commission process work?
Fabric commissions are a boutique art purchasing experience. Clients submit a reference photograph along with explanation of relationship or sentiment to the subject. Color suggestions may be submitted, but the process works best if the client trusts the process. After consultation, an illustration and color palette are sent over virtually for client approval. As soon as the illustration and palette are approved, I get to work. I send updates on the piece, including background selections. Upon completion, the piece will be revealed digitally (via zoom), then shipped to the client via FedEx.
- I decided I don't want my commission, can I have a refund?
Because commissions are tailor-made, these works are non-refundable. Be sure to engage fully in the consultation process to ensure delivery of a piece that you will treasure.
- Can you incorporate my special fabric into a commission piece?
Sure can. Cotton fabrics work best, but ask me about incorporating specialty heirloom fabrics into your piece.
feel free to reach out if you have a question that isn't on this F.A.Q.
Backers at the $350 level will receive a 1:1 hour-long creative coaching session via Zoom.
In a past life, I spent time as an arts and culture reviewer. As I took in world-class concerts, exhibitions, and conferences I learned to integrate the brilliance I saw in galleries and performance spaces into my creative practice. Then, I took those writing skills and put them to use applying for residencies, programs and fellowships.
Folks have consistently asked about getting started on a creative journey or strengthening their skills, as well as preparing application materials for opportunities. This opportunity offers an hour of 1:1 attention focusing on technical suggestions, learning opportunities, and individualizing the creative practice. Sessions will take place via zoom, and will be scheduled based on mutual availability.
Just Because I Care
Backers at the $25 level will receive a set of eight 4" x 6" postcards from the yet-to-be released "Intimate Gestures" fabric gestures series.
Each postcard depicts a gestural fabric portrait of a hand or hands. This series is was created throughout the year in response to my feelings about the pandemic, the racial unrest, and the general fatigue of the year. By supporting the campaign at the $25 level, you'll get early access to the series before the originals go on sale.
Backers at the $40 level will receive an 11" x 17" illustration of the "Peace" gesture.
I created "Peace" as part of my artist residency at the Pfister Hotel in 2019, when the fabric gesture made its way to New York City with a new collector. Many folks have asked for prints since then, so I'm making the illustration available as a campaign exclusive by popular demand.
*For folks who are Milwaukee local and want early access, the print may be purchased at the Kujichagulia Producers Cooperative inside the Sherman Phoenix. Once the campaign ends the prints will be removed from the shop.
Backers at the $100 level will receive an 11" x 17" archival print of the "Luminous Creation" gesture.
I created "Luminous Creation" at the very beginning of the pandemic, as a study for the "Signalling History" public art project in Shorewood, Wisconsin. My piece can be seen on the utility box outside of Shorewood High School. The fabric gesture was shown only once before being purchased, but the purchaser has generously consented to a limited edition of prints being made available as a campaign exclusive.
*This edition will be limited to 250 prints
Backers at the $1200 level have secured a place on the commission list for a 16" x 20" fabric original.
Interested in an original commission honoring someone you love? As part of the commission process, you will work closely with rosy to create the perfect mood for your original. By choosing this reward, you're securing a place on the commission list for a single-figure portrait or gesture of your choosing, stretched over canvas and unframed. I will be accepting ten 16" x 20" fabric portrait or gesture commissions for the campaign.
A note on commissions: Depending on complexity of design, 16" x 20" originals can take 3-6 weeks from start date to completion and will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. The work will begin after a consultation and reference photo submission. A formal completion date will be conveyed after consultation.
Shipping within the continental US is included, originals will be shipped flat via Fedex with insurance based on project completion.
For international shipping options for this reward, contact rosy directly before choosing this reward.
Backers at the $3000 level have secured a place on the commission list for a 24" x 36" fabric original.
Interested in an original commission honoring someone you love? As part of the commission process, you will work closely with rosy to create the perfect mood for your original. By choosing this reward, you're securing a place on the commission list for a single-figure portrait or gesture of your choosing, stretched over canvas and unframed. I will be accepting five 24" x 36" fabric portrait/ gesture commissions for the campaign.
A note on commissions: Depending on complexity of design, 24" x 36" originals can take 4-8 weeks from start date to completion and will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. The work will begin after a consultation and reference photo submission. A formal completion date will be conveyed after consultation.
Shipping within the continental US is included, originals will be shipped flat via Fedex with insurance, 4-8 weeks after consultation based on project completion.
For international shipping options for this reward, contact rosy directly before choosing this reward.
Backers at the $5000 level have secured a place on the commission list for a 36" x 48" fabric original.
Interested in an original commission honoring someone you love? As part of the commission process, you will work closely with rosy to create the perfect mood for your original. By choosing this reward, you're securing a place on the commission list for a single-figure portrait or gesture of your choosing, stretched over canvas and unframed. I will be accepting three 36" x 48" fabric portrait/ gesture commissions for the campaign.
A note on commissions: Depending on complexity of design, 36" x 48" originals can take 8- 12 weeks from start date to completion and will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. The work will begin after a consultation and reference photo submission. A formal completion date will be conveyed after consultation.
Shipping within the continental US is included, originals will be shipped flat via Fedex with insurance, 8-12 weeks after consultation based on project completion.
For international shipping options for this reward, contact rosy directly before choosing this reward.
Special reward for a 5-portrait pack of 16" x 20" originals for the AACCWI.
Rewards
Backers at the $350 level will receive a 1:1 hour-long creative coaching session via Zoom.
In a past life, I spent time as an arts and culture reviewer. As I took in world-class concerts, exhibitions, and conferences I learned to integrate the brilliance I saw in galleries and performance spaces into my creative practice. Then, I took those writing skills and put them to use applying for residencies, programs and fellowships.
Folks have consistently asked about getting started on a creative journey or strengthening their skills, as well as preparing application materials for opportunities. This opportunity offers an hour of 1:1 attention focusing on technical suggestions, learning opportunities, and individualizing the creative practice. Sessions will take place via zoom, and will be scheduled based on mutual availability.
Just Because I Care
Backers at the $25 level will receive a set of eight 4" x 6" postcards from the yet-to-be released "Intimate Gestures" fabric gestures series.
Each postcard depicts a gestural fabric portrait of a hand or hands. This series is was created throughout the year in response to my feelings about the pandemic, the racial unrest, and the general fatigue of the year. By supporting the campaign at the $25 level, you'll get early access to the series before the originals go on sale.
Backers at the $40 level will receive an 11" x 17" illustration of the "Peace" gesture.
I created "Peace" as part of my artist residency at the Pfister Hotel in 2019, when the fabric gesture made its way to New York City with a new collector. Many folks have asked for prints since then, so I'm making the illustration available as a campaign exclusive by popular demand.
*For folks who are Milwaukee local and want early access, the print may be purchased at the Kujichagulia Producers Cooperative inside the Sherman Phoenix. Once the campaign ends the prints will be removed from the shop.
Backers at the $100 level will receive an 11" x 17" archival print of the "Luminous Creation" gesture.
I created "Luminous Creation" at the very beginning of the pandemic, as a study for the "Signalling History" public art project in Shorewood, Wisconsin. My piece can be seen on the utility box outside of Shorewood High School. The fabric gesture was shown only once before being purchased, but the purchaser has generously consented to a limited edition of prints being made available as a campaign exclusive.
*This edition will be limited to 250 prints
Backers at the $1200 level have secured a place on the commission list for a 16" x 20" fabric original.
Interested in an original commission honoring someone you love? As part of the commission process, you will work closely with rosy to create the perfect mood for your original. By choosing this reward, you're securing a place on the commission list for a single-figure portrait or gesture of your choosing, stretched over canvas and unframed. I will be accepting ten 16" x 20" fabric portrait or gesture commissions for the campaign.
A note on commissions: Depending on complexity of design, 16" x 20" originals can take 3-6 weeks from start date to completion and will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. The work will begin after a consultation and reference photo submission. A formal completion date will be conveyed after consultation.
Shipping within the continental US is included, originals will be shipped flat via Fedex with insurance based on project completion.
For international shipping options for this reward, contact rosy directly before choosing this reward.
Backers at the $3000 level have secured a place on the commission list for a 24" x 36" fabric original.
Interested in an original commission honoring someone you love? As part of the commission process, you will work closely with rosy to create the perfect mood for your original. By choosing this reward, you're securing a place on the commission list for a single-figure portrait or gesture of your choosing, stretched over canvas and unframed. I will be accepting five 24" x 36" fabric portrait/ gesture commissions for the campaign.
A note on commissions: Depending on complexity of design, 24" x 36" originals can take 4-8 weeks from start date to completion and will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. The work will begin after a consultation and reference photo submission. A formal completion date will be conveyed after consultation.
Shipping within the continental US is included, originals will be shipped flat via Fedex with insurance, 4-8 weeks after consultation based on project completion.
For international shipping options for this reward, contact rosy directly before choosing this reward.
Backers at the $5000 level have secured a place on the commission list for a 36" x 48" fabric original.
Interested in an original commission honoring someone you love? As part of the commission process, you will work closely with rosy to create the perfect mood for your original. By choosing this reward, you're securing a place on the commission list for a single-figure portrait or gesture of your choosing, stretched over canvas and unframed. I will be accepting three 36" x 48" fabric portrait/ gesture commissions for the campaign.
A note on commissions: Depending on complexity of design, 36" x 48" originals can take 8- 12 weeks from start date to completion and will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. The work will begin after a consultation and reference photo submission. A formal completion date will be conveyed after consultation.
Shipping within the continental US is included, originals will be shipped flat via Fedex with insurance, 8-12 weeks after consultation based on project completion.
For international shipping options for this reward, contact rosy directly before choosing this reward.
Special reward for a 5-portrait pack of 16" x 20" originals for the AACCWI.