A publishing project of the Owens Art Gallery and Struts Gallery, A Handmade Assembly publication was initiated in 2020 as the tenth and final iteration of the beloved community gathering. This ambitious book was envisioned as an important continuation of the Assembly, rather than a commemorative volume of past events.
From its beginning in 2011, A Handmade Assembly took a critical look at the intersection of contemporary art and the handmade by bringing people together through workshops, exhibitions, performances, presentations, and symposia. Created in the spirit of what made this annual event so vital, the publication combines critical texts and a variety of interactive artists projects. Designed by the award-winning Lauren Wickware, A Handmade Assembly is a gorgeous, 114-page, hardcover book with contributions from Anthea Black, Bisset + Latour, Emily Falvey, Amanda Fauteux, Paige Gratland, Faye Harnest, Paul Henderson, Julie Hollenbach, Gemey Kelly, Germaine Koh, Hazel Meyer, Geordie Miller, Christiana Myers, Suzie Smith, Tyshan Wright, and Pauline Young.
Germaine Koh: The Why of D.I.Y.
This is an attempt to bring together thoughts about unplanned urban processes arising from need and desire, about play as fundamental to creative practice, and about “doing-it-yourself” as an expression of democratic purpose. What connects these subjects is a will on the part of citizens to be active agents in their lived world.
For more information: https://www.strutsgallery.ca/product-page/a-handmade-assembly