The Dole: Before

A brief prequel to this splendid installation collaboration.

This past December, Erin and I went to visit the Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake, IL. We were viewing the second and third floors of the mansion. Yet to be refurbished and not yet used as an exhibition space. It was well seasoned and curiously beautiful. Surprisingly bright paint pealing away to reveal plaster walls. Large windows and tall ceilings, all garnished with decorative molding. Curiously placed sinks. It was lovely.

While a potential collaboration had been in the talks for a while, Erin and I had not necessarily expected to take on anything quite this scale. Once the opportunity presented itself, we latched on. The space demanded it. And we're agreeable.

Seen here is an image of Mrs. Dole's bedroom. (While the all the smaller decorative items have been since removed, the large furniture remains.)

The installation process will be taking place over the next 2 months. Opening June 3rd.

For more info and history on the Dole Mansion:
www.lakesidelegacy.org

Stay tuned,

-Christina Gregor

June 3rd, First Friday Opening

Well, the date is set. After a fruitful week of preparing and getting to know the rooms at the Dole better we have changed the date of our opening to the First Friday event on June 3rd. This will provide 2 more months of rich installation and art-making time.
We were abuzz with ideas last Friday when Christina and I met with Erin M. at the Dole. And in the few days since, we have been busy with the artmaking part.


Knitted piece: about 24 inches by 48 inches, made from leftover yarn.

 I started making some yardage of knitted pieces by using leftover balls of yarn and experimenting with intarsia and the much less sophisticated technique of droping a stitch to create giant runs.
I am not sure what will be done with this knitted work. I am hoping to develop out a knitted cozy for a pair of chairs in Mrs. Dole's room.

 

Free-form crochet using yarn scraps.



Collaboration Installation: Erin Coleman-Cruz and Christina Gregor create at the Dole Mansion.

This the beginning of a new installation-collaboration at the Dole Mansion and Legacy Arts Park in Crystal Lake, IL between the artists Erin Coleman-Cruz and Christina Gregor. This blog includes a peek at the process of creating together across styles, media, and distance.

Pictured is a drawing by Christina with crocheted and stitched appendages by Erin.

Lovely. Awkward. Precious. Odd.