International Fiber Collective

I just talked to Jennifer Marsh on the phone--so exciting! She runs the International Fiber Collective, you may have heard of her gas station wrapping project which she got a lot of press for, including a feature in FiberArts Magazine. Jennifer's current project is Interdependence. Participants will create a full-sized tree for display in April 2009 in Huntsville, Alabama. The concept is, "much like a live tree is interdependent on its leaves and roots for survival, societies are interdependent on the greater whole, family units, communities, and countries."

Participants from around the world are invited to create leaves to contribute to the creation of the tree. In total, up to 30,000 leaves may be used. For more information on how to participate, click here. This is open to all age groups and levels of artistic ability.

Jennifer's next, highly ambitious project after the tree is wrapping a NASA rocket! But she needs help raising the money to rent the expensive crane required to install the artwork. Click here to see how you can help and become involved. She needs your help!

Jennifer will be representing Alabama and Community-based medium for my 50 Artists, 50 States, 50 Medium exhibition at The Eclipse Gallery in October 2009. I am still accepting submissions from artists, crafters, and designers. Click here for more info.

I am also working with her to plan a solo show for her amazing sculpture.

Matt's Bug + Blog

I've mentioned before that my six year old son Matt also trades Mail art with people. We have had quite the busy summer but updated his blog today with a couple more Mail Art pieces he has received. Here is what he sent to the Berube Bugs Mail Art call. Click here to view Matt's blog, and send him something if you are interested. I happen to love all children's artwork. There is something so honest about it.

Matt's Blog

I just wanted to announce that my six year old son Matt has started a blog called The Art of Being a Kid (with mom's help)! He wants to trade Mail Art with other kids and adults that love children's artwork, and show off all the other art he does! He has already received some art--check it out!

Also Matt was featured on one of my new favorite blogs--Pay It Forward. This blog is great because if you send them a story and pictures/video of a random act of kindess that you have done for somebody, they send you a free piece of collage art!!!

I think it's really important to encourage children's creativity! Now that it's summer, Matt probably spends a good four hours a day total doing artwork, at least. I'm one of those parents who wants my son to be an artist--I think it would be amazing! It's too bad that so many parents don't think that art is a valid choice for a career. It may be a hard path, but I believe that you should always choose to do what you are passionate about and not worry about how much money you will make with it. If you believe in yourself there are endless possibilities. My life is a testament to that! Even if he doesn't want to be an artist, the fact that he is so involved in art right now is teaching him how to solve problems creatively and think outside the box, which will be an assett for whatever direction his life takes!

Mail Art!

Jennifer Zoellner

St Petersburg, Florida, USA

This is an AWESOME postcard--love it! And she also had her kids trade some Mail Art with my son Matt. Check it out...

Kids

My stepdaughter Kali, age 4

My son, Matt, age 5

My niece, Natalie, age 4

My blogger friend Bill shared a portrait of his son and suggested we all share our children with each other. I've also included my niece because I got a great shot of her a few weeks ago...

Children's Art

Football Player and Flower

By my son Matt, 5 years old

Children's Art

.

The Captain's Barn
By my son Matt, 5 years old