The event, beginning Sept. 21, will benefit nonprofit organization MillHouse Foundation.
The gist
The exhibit will feature over 700 pieces of art submitted by artists from around the world. The art pieces are in a wide array of mediums, such as:
- Watercolor
- Oil painting
- Photography
- Textile art
“The artworks are quite incredible, and they come from a wide range of artists, from novice artists to artists who are represented in galleries and museums,” she said.
The art pieces are limited to the size of a postcard, which is 5 inches by 7 inches.
“So many artists had trouble going small because they usually paint big or make big pieces,” said Beth Beck, MillHouse Foundation CEO and executive director. “To put all of their story into 5 by 7 [inches], it's been fascinating.”
A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the MillHouse Foundation, which works in tandem with its sister organization, MillHouse McKinney, to offer resources and promote women entrepreneurs in creative fields through events, workshops, shared working spaces and more. The organization recently celebrated its fifth anniversary.
The specifics
The event will begin at 1 p.m. Sept. 21 with an opening gala featuring participating artists, dignitaries and VIP ticket holders. The grand opening for the general public will begin at 2 p.m. the same day. The exhibition will be held in the atrium at the McKinney Cotton Mill, near the MillHouse Foundation’s space in the same building.
“It's actually a work of art, in and of itself, to see this installation of so many art pieces,” Pedrero said.
The exhibition will continue from the opening day until Oct. 10. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase art pieces in person at the exhibition for $40 each.
“Even if you're not an art collector, this is a great way to start,” Beck said, noting that the pieces are more affordable than typical fine art pieces.
Online shopping will begin Sept. 24, allowing anyone from around the world access to purchase the artworks, and will continue through Oct. 22.
“Some of our McKinney artists [and] local DFW artists may get their artwork purchased somewhere international, and I'll be shipping their cards to France and Germany, and all the other places in the world where people really love to see this exhibition,” Pedrero said.
The context
The event was founded in 2010 by David Sandum, an artist from Norway, in an effort to raise funds for a local library, according to the organization’s website. The event, formerly known as the Twitter Art Exhibit, utilizes social media to engage with artists around the world.
Since its inception, the Postcard Art Exhibit has been held annually in different cities around the world with the proceeds supporting various causes.
Pedrero has previously served on the board for the Postcard Art Exhibit Organization and has also served as the curator for a prior exhibition in 2014.
Quote of note
“It's a wonderful opportunity if you aren't able to travel ... to purchase something from another country,” Pedrero said. “It's kind of a way to travel right here in McKinney and go on your own little adventure with getting art pieces from around the world.”
- Sept. 21, 1-4 p.m. (grand opening ceremonies); Sept. 21-Oct. 10 (exhibition)
- $150 (access to the opening gala); free (general admission)
- MillHouse Foundation, 610 Elm St., Ste. 1000, McKinney
- www.postcardartexhibit.com
