What was the inspiration for #KleefeldConnect?

#KleefeldConnect invites all artists to share their works made while under stay-at-home orders, in an effort to facilitate feelings of togetherness while the world is physically distancing.  In the situation where we cannot communicate face-to-face, sharing creative outlets, works in progress, and artistic fulfillment with each other brings us closer conceptually, and unites us around the act of making, viewing, and experiencing art remotely. Knowing that we are looking at the same thing, experiencing similar challenges, or all trying to make sense of the stressful state of the world is comforting.  The initiative targets students, but Invites all people to send their works of art or works in progress using these calls engagement.

What guidelines did you provide?

Participating in this creative challenge is easy; simply post works of art on Instagram, tag @thekleefeld, and use hashtage #KleefeldConnect to respond to the open call challenge. This week, and in weeks to come, we will be introducing themes to center submissions around – our first theme is “abstraction.” Using the hashtag #callforabstracts with #kleefeldconnects in posts will prioritize them in the judging, but all will be considered.

In its first iteration, the invitation for interaction is an open call for all art, from drawing and sketching, to painting, photography, sculpture, installation, film, and more.

How many submissions did you receive?

The initiative has more than #1000 submissions with the hashtag #KleefeldConnects!

Were there any surprises in the submissions?

It was a surprise to receive submissions from around the country and around the world so quickly. Clearly there is a need a need and want to share and connect.

What can we expect from the Kleefeld Contemporary in the next two months?

Kleefeld Contemporary has a few digital initiatives that will be launched in the coming months, joining our Instagram outreach: #kleefeldConnect. We will begin sharing educational art videos on Youtube, as a resource to for visual learning activities while we are asked to be at home. Most online engagement will be consolidated to the primary social media account on Instagram @thekleefeld; museum staff will be sharing their collections from their homes, as a way to reflect on personal curation and finding new life in interior spaces.