The inaugural artist exchange between the Chandler, AZ and Tullamore, Ireland Sister Cities.
“Commonality” is the theme of the innovative exchange of handmade postcards between the Sister Cities of Chandler and Tullamore, Ireland. Chandler artist and entrepreneur, Laurie Fagen, a past Board Member of Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities (CTSC) is collaborating with Tullamore artist and illustrator, Roisin Ui Oistin, on this citizen-to-citizen project. Ellen Harrington, Chair of CTSC, states, “This project carries the twinning relationship right into the heart of our communities, involving citizens of all ages, and furthering the awareness of the Sister Cities association.”
Residents in both cities created 4x6-inch postcards, either notecards or handmade, depicting anything the two cities have in common. All age groups participated, and media could include drawings, paintings, illustrations, collages, fiber, prints, photographs, landscapes or poems–whatever inspired the maker. Chandler’s Burst of Butterflies Create and Paint Studio provided space and materials for budding artists.
The postcard exhibit was held on Saturday, August 11 with a reception at Aras an Chontae office’s beautiful atrium in Tullamore and remained for three weeks, when it traveled back to Chandler to be displayed at a venue to be determined this fall. Tullamore artist Roisin Ui Oistin shared, “This, we hope, may be the start of an annual art exchange that will bring both communities together in a fun and exciting way, thus building friendships!"