open call 
 

Disappearing Ink
curated by John Salvest

Exhibition: March 29th- June 28th

This call is active now thru March 7th.
 

Does the apparent triumph of electronic over print media mean that the daily newspaper will soon no longer exist as a physical object? The Art Museum of the University of Memphis requests your participation in an exhibition addressing the changing face of print media and its effect on contemporary culture. Do you have a treasured newspaper clipping, perhaps the obituary of a loved one, or the news coverage of a significant event or individual accomplishment, or just a story that mattered enough for you to take the time to save it? The museum is seeking any form of personally meaningful artifact from any time period involving the traditional printed newspaper. Clippings, pages, complete newspapers, and vehicles for the display or preservation of such ephemera (scrapbooks, bulletin boards, even refrigerator doors) are welcomed. The museum requests that each participant also provide a written statement explaining the personal significance of his or her contribution. The collected artifacts will be curated and arranged by artist John Salvest in the museum’s galleries with the assistance of the museum staff. An on-line archive of submissions will also be created. Submitted materials will be carefully cataloged and returned to the lender after the conclusion of the exhibition.

Submission Process:

• Bring your news artifact / clipping and statement to AMUM
• Complete official AMUM loan documents
• Take photo with news artifact (optional)
• Record statement about why it is important to you (optional)
• Your object / news artifact will be returned to you after the close of the exhibition.

      

We welcome individuals and groups. For groups of four or more please schedule an appointment between Tuesday-Saturday by contacting jnmiller@memphis.edu or with questions about eligible submissions.

Sample submission by Lauren Pace

Lauren Pace (Listen to Audio)

I submitted the Baxter Bulletin newspaper. It holds the obituary of my great- grandpa, J.B. Staley. On May 24, 1990, it was pride that shined in his eyes when I was born on his birthday. Every year I was the only grandkid that he remembered. Of course on Christmas every child would receive gifts, but on our birthdays, unfortunately not. I was the only one. On Thanksgiving in 2012, he asked me if I would like to share our birthday together on the Queen Mary II, for a two week cruise through Europe.

After departing, we would then spend five days in London and then take the underground train to spend five more days in Paris. As a fashionista, I was beyond excited. By Christmas the plans were set, but on New Years Eve, the plans were drastically changed. My grandpa had a massive heart attack that would put him through by-pass surgery and heartbreaking pain for the next three months. He passed away on April 7, 2013. I loved my grandpa very much, but I know everything will be okay, because he is now sailing in Heaven.

MORE SAMPLE SUBMISSIONS HERE

Physical Address and parking information:
Art Museum 
142 Communication Fine Arts Bldg.
Memphis, TN 38152

The Art Museum of the University of Memphis is located on University of Memphis main campus near Central Avenue, but it is not directly accessible from Central. Parking is free on Saturdays in the Central lot or by meter during the week. The Innovation Drive Garage is adjacent to AMUM and costs two dollars per hour. Full parking details here