Painting by Ryan Cronin
Seed Swap and first glimpse of Seeds On Wheels (S.O.W.) our work-in-progress artist created mobile seed saving center.
Come see our installation that is part of the SDMA’s annual Hudson Valley Artists show. There’s lots to see in addition to S.O.W. including interesting work from local artists. Plus, you can come and swap your leftover seeds with other gardeners! Don’t worry, you don’t have to bring seeds to come to see the artwork.
Mike working on the trailer.
Sowing the Seeds of S.O.W.
Seeds on Wheels is a collaborative work-in-progress conceived by the Hudson Valley Seed Library. The project will culminate in the creation of a functional seed processing center, mobile seed exchange, and traveling contemporary garden art gallery. S.O.W. will be able to travel to farms, community gardens, farm markets, and community events along with locally grown seeds and a Seed Library farmer. The upcycled 1969 Aristocrat Lowliner trailer (previously named Trixie) will contain everything that is needed for a seed swap, seed-saving workshop, or seed sale.
One of Ryan's posters for S.O.W.
Artist Michael Asbill constructed the installation, painter Ryan Cronin designed three new Seed Library posters, and videographers Emily Bennison and Chris Hewitt created a stop-motion animated film for the Seed Library. The images used on the interior and exterior of the trailer are from the Hudson Valley Seed Library’s commissioned collection of contemporary heirloom art. HVSL has been commissioning artwork from regional artists for the last two years. The artworks are featured on HVSL’s unique seed packs. Packs from the last two years are displayed on the interior of the trailer. The works of over 30 artists are represented as part of this installation and new work will be added each year.
The diversity of the artwork, across mediums and styles, helps communicate that seeds are stories passed from hand to hand, generation to generation, not inanimate commodities lacking history. The artwork is an important part of the Seed Library’s goal of preserving and developing the genetic and agri/cultural diversity of open-pollinated seeds.
Hope to see you there!
Tags: Chris Hewitt, Dorsky Museum, Emily Bennison, Michael Asbill, Ryan Cronin, S.O.W., seeds on wheels
