We are loving Paper Dresses at PRESS and we think you do, too. Our next featured artists are Kate Barber and Valerie Carrigan.

Kate is a traditionally trained book binder, letterpress printer, and paper maker recently transplanted to the Berkshires from Alabama. We know that her Sunday volunteer stints at PRESS will help ease the shock of a northern winter! Stop by and say hi to her on Sundays. Kate’s paper dress fits into PRESS’ regular declarations of inspiration and encouragement. Each one says, “Be Patient.”  In her statement she says: “While change is constant and often difficult, my dress seeks to illuminate that with patience we can emerge on the other side to a place where adversity can grow into a thing of beauty.”

Kate Barber, PaperDress

Our other artist is Valerie Carrigan. Some of you might remember her show from last summer, Liminality. Valerie lives in North Adams and recently established a new studio at the Beaver Mill. We know great things are going to come out of that space and can’t wait to see what she does next.

Valerie’s work in Paper Dresses focuses on the line so many little and big girls walk between pretty dresses and being “one of the boys,” and the ridiculous stereotypes out there pinning both genders into particular holes. She was inspired by the age-old nursery rhyme written by the English poet Robert Southey. The verse about girls goes like this:

What are little girls made of, made of?

What are little girls made of?

Sugar and spice and everything nice,

That’s what little girls are made of.

 

And the boy’s verse:

 

What are little boys made of, made of?

What are little boys made of?

Snips and snails and puppy dog tails,

That’s what little boys are made of.

Her dress brings the two together perfectly! This would make the BEST gift for someone who embraces all the sides of being human, whatever the gender. And the holiday season is just around the corner!

Valerie Carrigan, Paper Dress