what a concept!

in 2004, when the university of iowa library was getting ready to retire their card catalog, several dedicated staff members looked for a way to celebrate the icon and preserve it for generations to come. the idea they came up with? a community art project called cARTalog. well-worn cards that would have ended up in the recycling bin found new life as individuals from across the country adopted cards and made them into works of art.

this wonderful project is being replicated in many communities. although cARTalog closed in september of 2006, you can still request cards from the university of iowa library – or you can start a similar project in your area.

maybe someone will start a chapter for the polymer clay community to get behind. you know – contact a library, get the cards, form a committee, mail cards to interested pc artists, write up guidelines, set deadlines, contact a venue for an exhibition, curate the show, pick the pieces for exhibit, start a blog about it. i’ll volunteer to create and maintain the blog. anyone else up for a challenge? the website has an online gallery and more information about how to get started.

gwen waight