The Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC) has kicked off its 2024 Winter/Spring Exhibitions with two distinctive showcases that go beyond conventional art forms. Featuring the works of artists Baggs McKelvey and various art handlers, the exhibits provide a unique perspective on materials, craftsmanship, and the often overlooked world of art installation.

Fiber in 3D: Indigo Houston

The first exhibit, “Fiber In 3D: Indigo Houston,” introduces viewers to an immersive experience created by Chattanooga-based artist Baggs McKelvey. Using 67 pairs of donated jeans, McKelvey crafted nearly 6,000 feet of handcrafted denim rope, intricately stretching and weaving through the museum’s Asher Gallery.

McKelvey’s project, initially known as “Indigo,” began as a year-long installation at the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga. This installation, which explores the industrial history and cultural symbolism of denim, emphasizes McKelvey’s commitment to sustainability. By manually disassembling and reassembling jeans, he aims to revive the handcrafted aspect of denim, a material that has evolved from its original handwoven form to today’s mass-produced fashion item.

This Side Up: An Exhibit Inside-Out

The second exhibit, titled “This Side Up,” shifts the focus to the behind-the-scenes world of art handlers. The show invites artists to respond creatively to the materials and processes used in art handling, transforming them into meta-works of art. Notable examples include replicas of antique Chinese vases made from the wooden crates used for shipping, a curtain made of retractable tape measures, and innovative uses of moving blankets.

Curator Sarah Darro describes “This Side Up” as an “exhibit inside-out,” shedding light on the often unseen labor and creativity of art handlers. The glass box, built to FedEx’s proprietary shipping box proportions and sent to HCCC via FedEx, serves as a documentation of its journey—a metaphorical postmark on a letter, showcasing the marks and wear incurred during its travels.

Art Handling Olympics: A Celebration of Skills

Complementing “This Side Up,” HCCC will host the “Art Handling Olympics,” inspired by a NYC event in 2010. The competition includes unique tasks such as speed-weeding, frame-hanging without a level, and safely packing porcelain cups for a drop from the museum’s roof. Spectators are invited to witness the skills of art handlers in action on March 7, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Insights and Workshops

As part of the exhibition series, HCCC will host a lecture by Sarah Darro on the intricacies of planning an art exhibition on Feb. 17. Additionally, an art framing workshop is scheduled for April 13, providing enthusiasts with an opportunity to delve into the craftsmanship of framing.

Crafting Perspectives: Conclusion

The concurrent presentation of “Fiber In 3D: Indigo Houston” and “This Side Up” at HCCC provides a dynamic exploration of materials, craftsmanship, and the unseen efforts behind the scenes of the art world. By highlighting the artistic potential in handling materials and the often-overlooked labor involved, these exhibitions contribute to a broader understanding and appreciation of contemporary craft and installation art.