Part of Me is centered around a discovery of self and an exploration of internal struggles. All too often I find it hard to articulate my true feelings when dealing with intense emotions and experiences, so for this exhibition I decided to address this issue. I chose to use watercolor and charcoal as the mediums to best represent the complexity of this subject matter. The fluidity of watercolor juxtaposed by the rough texture of charcoal is used to draw a parallel to the contrasting thoughts and feelings I experience in an almost cyclical nature. I also chose to experiment with fibers to convey a more tactile investigation of my inner discord. This collection of artwork was created to not only explore and communicate my struggles, but to confront them. I hope that this exhibition inspires others to do the same.

Artist Bio

Joseph Sciacca is an artist living and working in Chicago, IL. He enjoys working with a variety of mediums, but his current focuses are watercolor, charcoal, and experimenting with fibers. Joseph is a passionate creative that enjoys exploring the world, and his interaction with it, through artistic means. Although Joseph has been involved in the arts since a young child, his creativity flourished when attending the University of Kansas in 2015 and then graduating in 2019 with BFA in Visual Arts. Since graduating he has displayed his work in numerous galleries across the Midwest, namely Kansas, Missouri and Illinois. Joseph’s work is ever evolving as his art is a constant reflection of his struggles, triumphs, and everything in-between.

A Soft Place to Land features the work of Olivia Mills in collaboration with fiber farmers in the greater Kansas City area and community focused designer Lasse Elsenburg. This exhibition presents regional stories of our wool economy alongside the tangible manifestations of taking solace in textile tradition. Using wool and plant dye all within a 70 mile radius of the Kansas City metropolitan area, the artistic and functional pieces exhibited showcase the transformative practice of making works from scratch.

Getting dressed was once an agricultural act, but to many the origins of cloth are now mysterious. A Soft Place to Land seeks to rekindle the experience of developing intimate connections to the physical objects around us. By unveiling the thoughtful, commonly hidden process of raw wool becoming woven fabric, and the names of plants used to make color onto cloth, reciprocity between maker and material is shown. Proximity of origin to the raw materials enables local stories of the sheep, farms and people from which the wool comes to be shared. 

The practice of slow making brings delight and detail into the work, contrasting the typical fast and distant relationship we have with the belongings we own. A Soft Place to Land celebrates cultivated materials from the local landscape by intertwining them with one another; creating heirloom pieces of artwork for the home and body. 

Olivia would like to thank Brian and Sharon Hiems of Manna Meadows Alpacas, Caryn Miller, Debbie Buddish of Walking Sweater Farm, Debbie Tindell, R and K Alpacas, Rodger and Penny Minniear of MM Fiber Mill, Ruth Hawkins of Little Hawk Farm and Tom and Amy Gray of Cannington Farms for their generosity in providing wool, stories and integral contributions to this exhibition. Without their support the authenticity of locality and resilience in this show would not be possible.

Olivia Mills | Artist Statement 

My process-led practice is informed by personal engagements with the local landscape. Employing natural fibers and plants I use slow processes such as dyeing, weaving, spinning and stitching to celebrate regionality and craft. Textile tradition and tactile knowledge becomes tangible in my practice through handspun yarn, woven threads, and quilted cloth. 

Taking solace in the process of foraging local materials, I see my works as an act of resistance to the fast paced economy and objects made with planned obsolescence. By collecting materials from my local environment like raw fleece, plant matter, and reclaimed garments, I seek to create thoughtful, functional, and artistic forms that serve as heirloom pieces for the home and body. 

First Fridays with Messenger and Ibis: April 5th

We are open from 6 – 8pm every first Friday! Come explore our three floor cafe filled with art. Visual Artists will be featured on the first floor. On the second floor, Performing Artists will showcase their work on the hour and half hour between 6 – 8pm. On the roof, there will be live music most first Fridays between 7 – 8pm. Many of our artists are employees; come see our talented staff!! In addition, Messenger and Ibis will present a special First Friday Menu featuring coffee, pastries, and food.

Featured Artists Of The Month:

Visual Artists:

Sid Sullivan @donuts_and_daydreams

Spencer Eugene @taxidermy.crows.art

Performing Artist:

Olivia Emert @olivia_emert / www.oliviaemert.com

Special April 5th Food and Drink Menu:

• Messenger Mule
• Elderflower Espresso Tonic
• Cold Brew Root Beer Float
• Sparkling Lavender Lemonade
• IBIS Pretzels: Classic salted knot with cheese dip & Cinnamon Sugar knot with icing dip
• First Friday Frank
• Huehue Tenango Coffee Brisket Slider
• IBIS Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish w/ Kahlua Chocolate dipping sauce