The squares encompass 20 centimeters of intricate, thoughtful art. They span the room, radiating and bold, yet small.
Beth Medoway and Colleen Hammond, curators of A Square Deal, banded together nearly six years ago with the shared goal of making art more accessible to the general public.
DOWNSIZED, an exhibit from the Philadelphia-based business, will be showing in the Markeim Arts Center through Tuesday, Aug. 14. Squares will be on display in Jersey Java on a continuous basis with pieces rotating every four to six weeks, said Hammond.
While on a trip in Copenhagen, Denmark, Medoway stumbled into a 10-foot by 10-foot room holding a project called 20–20 Vision.
Visitors would sift through bins of art for small pieces to purchase.
“I just loved it,” said Medoway. “It was small and affordable. I just fell in love with the idea.”
Everything, she said, was in focus.
She hoped for a change in her life, wanted to benefit charities, small businesses and arts and soon mobilized her idea for A Square Deal with Hammond.
At Markeim, proceeds from the purchase of works of art, which range in price from $40 to $400, are being given back to the center for art-related programs and events.
Each artist uses a panel from A Square Deal.
There are 13 artists involved with the Markeim exhibit out of the hundreds involved in the project.
“What was different about Markeim was that we decided to include the regular, what the artist would normally look on,” said Hammond.
Typically, the small pieces can be found in area salons and cafes.
“This is the first time we’ve ever been given a space that was hung in as space that was made to show art,” Medoway said. “That was so exciting for us.”
Art doesn’t have to be a scary thing, she said.
Recently, she came in contact with a young woman who refused to purchase art, saying she wasn’t smart enough to own it.
“I don’t want people to be afraid of art,” she emphasized. “You have taste. When you buy art, it’s all about you liking it, loving it.”
Often times when people think of art, untouchable pieces that cover large areas come to mind.
“Having artwork that’s small and portable that you can prop up on a bookcase or put in a plate stand, there’s just always a way to make art a part of your life regardless of the size of your house,” she said, adding, “The quality of artwork isn’t by the inch.”
Some of the best paintings in the world are small, she said.
In an inflated society filled with McMansions and great rooms, it’s important to remember the more simple things in life, such as a pearl.
“Just by itself, it’s a thing of beauty. It’s that idea, too. You don’t need something overwhelming to be impressive,” she explained. “We only take up so much space ourselves.”
Art in the exhibit does not discriminate. From traditional to contemporary styles, to oil, mixed media or digital photography, there is a wide range to give options for varied tastes.
The artists Medoway and Hammond work with come from several different states and countries. Some they’ve met, some they have only spoken with through emails.
“It’s a real variety of backgrounds,” said Hammond. “They’re from all over the world.”
Benefitting charities is a main part of their business, she said. In the past, funds have gone toward playground renovations, Locks of Love and Philabundance.
Soon, another set will be exhibited based upon the same premise, but no further details have been determined.
Affordable and portable are key words in their business, explained Hammond.
“This way they can go to their local café, they can even go to their beauty salon and see an original piece of art and be able to afford it,” she said.
To learn more about the exhibit or to participate, visit www.artsqs.com. To make a submission, forward JPG files through their contact form that represent current pieces of art. The curators will review the pieces and reach out to artists they feel are compatible with their goals.
“I feel like we have all these terrific relationships,” said Medoway. “It’s been this totally positive experience.”
Markeim Arts Center is located at 104 Walnut Street, Haddonfield. Call (856) 429–8585 or visit www.markeimartcenter.org for more information on the exhibit and other local art events and workshops.
