the charrette

Play

You can download this information as a PDF here.

You can download the launch lecture as a PDF here.

This year’s workshop will explore the idea of play.

Think carefully about what play means to you. How could you translate these ideas into physical reality? What materials or forms would convey these concepts? How could you construct a wearable sculpture that speaks to the subject of play? Be creative and expressive in what you make. You are encouraged to work with absolutely any materials and methods you wish for the duration of the project. There are limited supplies of some basic materials available to you (see below), but you will need to be creative and resourceful in finding other materials to use in your projects. Materials that are found or repurposed are strongly encouraged — you do not have to spend any money on this project.

All students — regardless of year or major — in all Drawing I and II, 2D Design I and II, and 3D Design I and II classes are participating in the workshop for the entire week from September 3 to September 12. During the workshop, you must go to each of your foundations classes for attendance at the start of class, after which, you will be allowed to work anywhere you like (unless your instructor will be giving a talk or demo).

The Rules

  • The project in its final form must be wearable and have physical contact with the body.
  • Students must create a design with materials that effectively and creatively convey their ideas and concepts.
  • Try to work in the studios on campus, not at home or in your dorm room.
  • Students are allowed (and encouraged!) to use materials that are found or repurposed as opposed to ones purchased. However, please note that cloth and fabric are not allowed as a primary component of your project. Also, please avoid cosplay when you design your project.
  • You must show up at the start of all your Drawing, 2D, and 3D classes for attendance. You must also attend all of your non-foundations classes as they are not part of the workshop.
  • Explosives, fire, guns, ammunition, or other weaponry is strictly forbidden.
  • Your final project MUST have a number visibly attached to it in order to be eligible for awards and inclusion in the exhibition. Numbers will be handed out at the launch on Wednesday, September 3. In case you did not get a number at the launch, please see a monitor in the 3D shop to get a number before Thursday, September 12.
  • Students must wear and present their final piece during the final event on Thursday, September 12 from 5-7PM in the SHED Atrium. (If you cannot be at the event, let your faculty know beforehand. You can also have a friend present your piece for you at the event.)

    • Grading and Awards

    You will be graded for attendance and participation (each of your instructors will let you know how much this is weighted in your grade for the class), but the final projects themselves are not given a letter grade in an effort to allow you to be creative and experimental. Instead, you will be competing for awards given by faculty, staff, administration, and students from the College of Art and Design. Each of your instructors will also let you know how to submit your final piece for credit in each of their classes. (usually this is simply a photo uploaded to myCourses).

    In addition to these awards, College of Art and Design Gallery Coordinator Shane Durgee will select pieces during the final event to be featured in an exhibition held in the Bevier Gallery. Some of the pieces will also be chosen to appear on the runway at Fashion Week Rochester in October.