RECLAMATION

RECLAIMING EXPERIENCES IS DIRECTLY LINKED TO OWNING OUR POWER AND LETTING OUR LIGHT SHINE. RECLAMATION PRESENTS THE ARTIST COLLABORATION OF MORGAN BUKOVEC AND KATE SWEENEY, EVOLVING MORGAN’S “ARE YOU ON THE MENU” CROSS-STITCHED WORKS INTO SELF PORTRAITS. THIS SERIES IS THE RESULT OF MORGAN’S PAST DECADE OF WORK IN THE SERVICE INDUSTRY. EACH REMARK, COMMAND, AND QUESTION ARE QUOTES TAKEN FROM HER EXPERIENCE AS A SERVER, WITH MALE CUSTOMERS.

MORGAN STATES, “THIS SERIES IS A PERSONAL RELEASE AND A WAY TO GAIN OWNERSHIP OVER THE WORDS SAID TO ME BY MEN. IT BREATHES WITH INTENTION AND HAS BEEN MY PERSONAL RECLAMATION.”

NOT ONLY DOES THIS WORK SHED LIGHT ON THE NORMALIZATION OF HARASSMENT IN THE SERVICE INDUSTRY, BUT IT GIVES SPACE FOR VIEWERS TO QUESTION AND REFLECT ON THE POWER OF 'WORDS AND THEIR OWN PERSONAL RECLAMATION.

“INSPIRED TO EVOLVE THE CROSS-STITCHED WORKS INTO SOMETHING PHYSICALLY VULNERABLE AND PERSONALLY POWERFUL, I CAME ACROSS KATE SWEENEY’S PHOTOGRAPHY WORK AND KNEW THIS COLLABORATION WAS DEEPLY ALIGNED. WORKING WITH KATE WAS A HEALING AND JOYFUL EXPERIENCE AND I AM GRATEFUL FOR HER SUPPORT IN MIRRORING TO ME MY OWN POWER.”

Morgan Bukovec_smile for me_cross stitch on guest checkbook_6.75” x 3.5” copy.jpg

Morgan Bukovec_are you on the menu_2022_6.75” x 3.5”_cross stitch on guest checkbook_ copy.jpg

Morgan Bukovec_i want to rub mayo on you_cross stitch on guest checkbook_6.75” x 3.5” copy.jpg

MorganBukovec_you'd look good with a cigar in your mouth_6.75 x 3.5 x 0.25 in copy.jpg

Morgan Bukovec_doll face_cross stitch on guest checkbook_6.75” x 3.5” copy.jpg

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RECLAMATION in the COMMUNITY

THIS 3 DAY EVENT IS PRACTICING RECLAMATION THROUGH HIGHLY INTENTIONAL COLLABORATIONS AND COMMUNITY AT ITS CORE. THROUGH ART, POETRY, PORTRAITS, WORKSHOPS, MUSIC, WE ARE COLLECTIVELY TAKING OWNERSHIP OVER OUR LIVED EXPERIENCES. RECLAIMING EVEN THE PHYSICAL SPACE ... RATHER THAN A TRADITIONAL WHITE WALLED GALLERY, MORGAN CHOSE TO HOST THIS EVENT AT MISSION COFFEE, A BELOVED, LOCAL AND HIGHLY INTENTIONAL CAFE.

“MISSION’S FOCUS ON PERSONAL CONNECTIONS, SUPPORTING WOMEN FARMERS, AND UPLIFTING THE COMMUNITIES THEY SOURCE FROM, INSPIRED ME SINCE DAY 1 OF JOINING THE MISSION TEAM.”

THIS EVENT, AT EVERY LEVEL, IS BREAKING THE NORMS

WHICH IS WHAT WE NEED ~ AS ARTISTS, CREATIVES,

HUMANS ~ NOW, MORE THAN EVER.

RECLAMATION WAS SUPPORTED BY THE GREATER COLUMBUS ARTS COUNCIL

RECLAMATION ART OPENING + OPEN MIC

COLLABORATORS:

MORGAN BUKOVEC

KATE SWEENEY

CYNTHIA AMOAH

ARTISTIC GENIUS

LA ROSA

MEGHAN LEIGH PHOTOGRAPHY

MISSION COFFEE

"Its been 3 days and I'm still reeling from experiencing Reclamation: I gained an understanding that it's not just an act of returning, but of creating anew."
"I went to the show with a few friends, and we talked about our experiences working in the service industry as women when we walked through, Not only is the work beautifully crafted and aesthetically gorgeous, it also speaks to a common experience of women that might remain unspoken if not for attending. There was an incredible community feel, and someone I went with had attended the other days (workshop, etc.) and had wonderful things to share. I was sorry I had missed it. It was a special show, and a community-building event."
"My experience at Reclamation was incredible! The way the event was curated was extremely creative, powerful and welcoming! What I gained from the showcase was inspiration. To continue writing and creating with no apologies!"
"Reclamation was a thought-provoking, feeling-inducing creative event. To be surrounded by Morgan’s challenging images and provocative images, then surrounded by the deep vulnerability of spoken poems, left me insightful and incredibly grateful. Thank you for bringing this community together!"
"I would recommend Reclamation to everyone. This was an inclusive event that offered a space for vulnerability and safety"
"If you are looking to be in community with thoughtful, talented, and creative people, this experience is for you."
"Public art + community are two experiences that allow us to see what’s best in humanity and feel more connected to one another through positive emotions rather than group think or fear. That’s needed more right now than ever."
"A chance to step outside your circle and connect with people who want to share their voice and perspectives in a safe space."
"I stayed for the art opening, and it was thought-provoking and emotionally provocative, It created meaningful dialogue."

Photo Credits: Whitney Brewer Photography

Columbus Collage Collective + DJ laChewla + Lava Lamp Lounge

RECLAMATION COLLAGE WORKSHOP

COLLABORATORS:

COLUMBUS COLLAGE COLLECTIVE

LAVA LAMP LOUNGE

DJ LACHEWLA

WHITNEY BREWER PHOTOGRAPHY

MISSION COFFEE

"I felt connected to the workshop leaders. They were both warm and welcoming. I especially like that they didn't present as aloof experts, but willing to share and help us achieve a reclamation whether we were knowledgeable or novices in their art form."
"I felt encouraged and supported to get out of my head and process a word/experience I don't think about enough"
"Workshops like this make us think. It stretches our imagination. The experience brings us to new spaces to meet new people and discover something great within ourselves."
"I think everyone needs to express themselves through a creative outlet, it is part of why we are here."
"I loved the DJ. Her setup was stellar. I learned about a new artist. She was knowledgeable about the story behind the music. I came home and played some of the tunes she spinning on her turntable. Her ability to connect with a diverse audience as a DJ was top tier."
"Yes! I would say...I'd love for you to join me at this FUN and powerful workshop focused on what reclamation means to each of us. It's an opportunity to flex your creative muscles in a safe, supportive, encouraging, welcoming group of folks."

RECLAMATION POETRY WORKSHOP

COLLABORATORS:

CYNTHIA AMOAH

EMMA LOW PHOTO

MISSION COFFEE

"This workshop was really beautiful, it felt like meeting old friends even though I knew no one in the room. It was a space I felt cared for, felt like others had my back and were there for me. I gained joy from this workshop. And a deep sense of relief."
"Only go if you want to reconnect with your truth"
"It was transformative and engaging. The poetry workshop supported me to participate in my first ever poetry open mic. I got to reclaim my voice and power in a room of people just like me."
"My experience was empowering"
"Cynthia was a powerful and kind workshop leader. The whole workshop was built with us in mind, there was time to share, time to reflect, time to breathe, I felt very cared for in the process of this workshop and inspired by Cynthia’s experience and presence."
"It helps people start to express themselves and think about themselves in new ways. It helps build trust and connection as everyone gathers with the same intention and purpose. It helps prevent loneliness and build comradery, creativity and confidence."
"Our words hold power and we have forgotten how to use them."

RECLAMATION

RECLAMATION in the COMMUNITY

RECLAMATION ART OPENING + OPEN MIC

"Its been 3 days and I'm still reeling from experiencing Reclamation: I gained an understanding that it's not just an act of returning, but of creating anew."

"My experience at Reclamation was incredible! The way the event was curated was extremely creative, powerful and welcoming! What I gained from the showcase was inspiration. To continue writing and creating with no apologies!"

"Reclamation was a thought-provoking, feeling-inducing creative event. To be surrounded by Morgan’s challenging images and provocative images, then surrounded by the deep vulnerability of spoken poems, left me insightful and incredibly grateful. Thank you for bringing this community together!"

"I would recommend Reclamation to everyone. This was an inclusive event that offered a space for vulnerability and safety"

"If you are looking to be in community with thoughtful, talented, and creative people, this experience is for you."

"Public art + community are two experiences that allow us to see what’s best in humanity and feel more connected to one another through positive emotions rather than group think or fear. That’s needed more right now than ever."

"A chance to step outside your circle and connect with people who want to share their voice and perspectives in a safe space."

"I stayed for the art opening, and it was thought-provoking and emotionally provocative, It created meaningful dialogue."

RECLAMATION COLLAGE WORKSHOP

"I felt connected to the workshop leaders. They were both warm and welcoming. I especially like that they didn't present as aloof experts, but willing to share and help us achieve a reclamation whether we were knowledgeable or novices in their art form."

"I felt encouraged and supported to get out of my head and process a word/experience I don't think about enough"

"Workshops like this make us think. It stretches our imagination. The experience brings us to new spaces to meet new people and discover something great within ourselves."

"I think everyone needs to express themselves through a creative outlet, it is part of why we are here."

"I loved the DJ. Her setup was stellar. I learned about a new artist. She was knowledgeable about the story behind the music. I came home and played some of the tunes she spinning on her turntable. Her ability to connect with a diverse audience as a DJ was top tier."

"Yes! I would say...I'd love for you to join me at this FUN and powerful workshop focused on what reclamation means to each of us. It's an opportunity to flex your creative muscles in a safe, supportive, encouraging, welcoming group of folks."

RECLAMATION POETRY WORKSHOP

"This workshop was really beautiful, it felt like meeting old friends even though I knew no one in the room. It was a space I felt cared for, felt like others had my back and were there for me. I gained joy from this workshop. And a deep sense of relief."

"Only go if you want to reconnect with your truth"

"It was transformative and engaging. The poetry workshop supported me to participate in my first ever poetry open mic. I got to reclaim my voice and power in a room of people just like me."

"My experience was empowering"

"Cynthia was a powerful and kind workshop leader. The whole workshop was built with us in mind, there was time to share, time to reflect, time to breathe, I felt very cared for in the process of this workshop and inspired by Cynthia’s experience and presence."

"It helps people start to express themselves and think about themselves in new ways. It helps build trust and connection as everyone gathers with the same intention and purpose. It helps prevent loneliness and build comradery, creativity and confidence."

"Our words hold power and we have forgotten how to use them."