A sensu (also known as an ōgi) is a traditional Japanese folding fan. These fans are typically made from paper or silk mounted on thin strips of bamboo, wood, or metal, allowing them to fold compactly. Sensu are often beautifully decorated with intricate designs, ranging from landscapes and floral motifs to calligraphy and other artistic expressions. They have been used in Japan for centuries, serving various purposes such as cooling, ceremonial uses, dance, and as decorative objects.

As part of our upcoming kimono-themed art show we are excited to invite artists to submit entries to participate in our companion event by creating unique designs for a 24-inch Japanese foldable fan. These fans will be a distinctive and culturally rich addition to our exhibition, "THE ART OF KIMONO," celebrating the beauty and tradition of Japanese artistry. The event will be held in March of 2025 and artists from all walks of life are encouraged to apply. Throughout March, there will be weekly events showcasing the kimono and foldable fans as the highlights of each celebration, while also commemorating March as Women’s Month!

What is “The Art of Kimono?”

The vision of Barbara Cheives of Converge & Associates Consulting presents "The Art of Kimono," a multicultural and multigenerational event that honors history and engages young artists, graphic designers, emerging curators, and art event planners. We invite both seasoned and emerging artists to embellish kimonos and fans, which will be sold to benefit various local nonprofit agencies. This event, taking place in March, will also celebrate women, women’s organizations, and women-owned businesses.

The kimono is the most recognizable article of Japanese clothing for many thousands of years. They have evolved into fashion statements from many nations and have been repurposed as decorative pieces. Contemporary Japanese women rarely wear kimono in everyday life, reserving them for formal occasions such as weddings, funerals, and university graduations. The history of the Japanese fans dates back 1,200 years and these fans were used in ceremonies, rituals, and performances. They were used as a form of material to write on to communicate messages, as an instructive tool to educate, a symbol of status and even as a weapon in the hands of a Samurai. March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the countless contributions and accomplishments of women throughout history. One way to celebrate is to support women-owned businesses with our weekend marketplace throughout March. Not only is it a way to uplift and empower women, but it also has tangible benefits for the Lake Worth community and Palm Beach County.

Submission Guidelines:

Design Specifications:

• Using the provided template (attached below), create and submit an original design suitable for reproduction on a 24-inch foldable fan using your chosen medium.

Medium:

• Artists may choose any medium to reproduce their design on the provided fan including, but not limited to, painting or mixed media.

Submission Format:

• Submit your design digitally in high-resolution using the template provided. Artists may present up to 3 design concepts for consideration, however, a maximum of one design concept will be chosen per artist.

Deadline:

• Designs must be submitted by September 30, 2024.

Delivery and Return:

• Arrange pickup of the provided 24-inch fan with Curator Emmanuel Gonzales by October 20th, 2024.

• If artist lives or resides in Palm Beach County, pick up by the artist will be arranged.

• If artist lives or resides outside of Palm Beach County, the fan will be sent in a mailing tube to the artist, along with a return postage label, at the expense of “The Art of Kimono”. The artist is responsible for returning the completed fan using the tube and return postage label. Should these items be lost or damaged, the artist will be responsible for returning the fan at their own expense. In the event the fan cannot be folded and sent in a tube, other arrangements will be made between the curator and the artist.

• Completed fans must be received or delivered by January 1st, 2025 and will be included in the month-long show in March 2025.

• Direct all questions to Curator Emmanuel Gonzales at theartofkimono@gmail.com.

Content Restrictions:

• Artwork must be appropriate for public viewing.

• No words, symbols, or logos intended as advertising may appear within the fan design.

• The image must be suitable for all ages, meaning no profanity, political commentary, nudity, or adult content.

• Inclusion of prohibited content will result in immediate removal of your art.

Selection Process:

• Designs will be reviewed by our curatorial team and selected artists will be notified via email by October 10th, 2024.

• Selected designs must be reproduced by the artist using their chosen medium on 24-inch Japanese foldable fans and prominently displayed as part of our exhibition for sale during “The Art of Kimono” show at Hatch 1121 during the month of March 2025.  Digital reproductions or printed images are not permitted.  Artists should make every effort to ensure the final product is recognizable as the submitted and approved design.

• Arrangements for collection of the blank fan may be made by artists upon announcement of the selections.  See “Delivery and Return” above.

• Completed fans must be returned no later than January 1st, 2025, as they will be included in the month-long exhibit.

Why Should I Participate?

• Fans will be sold during the month-long event, with proceeds going towards charity, artist will receive a letter of participation!

• Artists will receive a 25-dollar stipend to cover materials.

• Selected artists will be featured prominently on "The Art of Kimono" social media.

• Selected artists will be highlighted extensively on social media, including a weekly artist spotlight.

• Artists’ information will be posted alongside their respective fans as additional means of promotion at the show openings.

• Artists will also be invited to participate in one of several outdoor events located at Hatch 1121 where they may showcase other works for sale (event date not yet chosen).  All showcased work must follow the same content restrictions above. Artist will retain 90% of their sales with 10% going to “The Art of Kimono” to defray costs.

Important Note:

• By submitting a design, Artists grant permission to promote and display it at our kimono-themed art show. “The Art of Kimono” will retain copyright, including digital rights, to the artwork.

• Foldable fans are the property of "The Art of Kimono," both prior to and after artist has completed their work on the fan.

• “The Art of Kimono" staff retains the rights to the selection process and may add or remove artists from participation at any time.

• The “The Art of Kimono does not guarantee any sales or revenue to any artist as a result of their participation in the event.

We look forward to receiving your creative contributions and showcasing your talent at our upcoming event! If you have any questions or require further information, please don't hesitate to contact Emmanuel Gonzales at theartofkimono@gmail.com.