Bailout Biennial Exhibition

The first (and only) biennial to address the current economic crisis or scandal. Work from 26 artists inspired by the $700+ billion bailout, global economy, greed + profit.

The first, (and perhaps only) biennial in response to the current economic crisis and scandals surrounding the $700+ billion bail out, capitalism, the global economy, post- industrialism, and greed.

Housed in a sky-lit historic textile mill with high, rustic ceilings and monitor roofing, BAILOUT BIENNIAL showcases themed artwork including: free bailout bonds and pins stating how much each of us is paying for this bailout, $2,296.84; dot matrix portraits of the men on our paper money, made from the artist’s blood; the story of shrimp and how this luxury item becomes a common commodity on our tables; large color photographs of found rainbows, minikins, homeless people holding what they keep, demolition derbys, empty condos and undeveloped gated communities; paintings of pennies from heaven, a gargantuan pig, communist and capitalist symbols on paper plates, wringing hands, dead powerful men; and more.

Unlike most biennials, this one came together from a simple call for submissions, has no budget, and will require plywood sheets to be screwed into the existing wooden pillars from the former textile mill to make walls for the art.

Can an artist make beauty out of nothing, humor out of tragedy, critical understanding out of superficial materials, a sense of wonder, purpose or awe out of crumbs? And can art incite the viewer to jump onto the stage of action to begin a shift towards a new and different economy of desire and infinite possibilities?

26 Artists, 10 States, 4 Countries, 1 Crisis.

Organized by elin o'Hara slavick and Jeff Waites

Exhibition Artists:
Lauren Adams, Becca Albee, Joshua Bienko, Clare Britt, Ann Chwatsky, Maria DeGuzman, Severn Eaton, Lorena Endara, Paul Evans, Peter Eversoll, Cathryn Griffin, Michael Itkoff, Andrew Johnson, Geoffrey Owen Miller, Susan Mullally, Shaw Osha, Conor Peterson, elin o'Hara slavick, Susanne Slavick, Hiroshi Sunairi, David Tinapple, Julie Thomson, Paul Valadez, Stacy Waddell, Jeff Waites, Karen Frimkess Wolff

Please note: Sunday hours are 12PM to 5PM.