Art Abandonment

Hey everyone, my name is Michael deMeng and recently I started a little group on Facebook, called Art Abandonment (rather it started itself) that involves abandoning ones art in random public places.  It's something that I've done  for a number of years now, albeit infrequently, usually on beverage napkins and the like.  About ten or so years ago I would walk to the same place by a river and leave a little charcoal drawing.    So recently I started this activity up again…leaving little sketches with a note on the back.  Here's a few I dropped off in Eugene Oregon.   

After posting this images on Facebook a few of FB friends recommended the idea of a group for like minded individuals to share their exploits.  Thus Art Abandonment was born.  So now we have a group to see what treats have been left behind and where…and…hopefully…a way for the finders to share the fate of the art.  In the first week of its creation we went from zero to 2500 members.  Crazy? Right?  Woo hoo!The concept of leaving art behind is in no way an invention of mine…I know a number of artists that have done this kind of "guerilla art" in various forms….matchbooks…or more grandios offerings

A few ideas behind this:

• I think it's important to be able let one's art live a life beyond its creator.   I love imagining what becomes of my art after it is gone…whether given or sold. 
• Some folks can't seem to let go of their work…even when they sell it.  This is a great way to learn to move on.
• It's also a way sharing work with an unsuspecting patron.   In this day and age when money is tight, this is a way of encouraging folks to stay involved in the arts.
• This is good for the soul.   A random kind act.
• You'll find it's a bit addictive…and fun  

So here is how to play if you wanted to join in:

1. All you have to do is make a piece of art.  (as simple or as elegant as you like)
2. Write a little note on it explaining that it is a gift 
3. Also mention that if the finder would like to share info about its fate they can contact you directly i.e. email.  Then you can share the info with us if you are so inclined.  Its not a bad idea to leave you're web address contact info…you never know…you might have created a new patron.
4. Photograph what you're leaving behind
5. Then leave it…walk away…run…try not to get caught.
6. Then on Facebook share the location and photo of your gift with the rest of us.  Here's the group address: http://www.facebook.com/groups/ArtAbandonment/
7. Keep your fingers crossed that someone lets us know what became of it.  I certainly doubt that everyone will take the time to inform the group.  A few artists have already been contacted by the "finders".

Here's a few things that you might find helpful.  Some folks have created stickers or notes to attach to there left behind goodies.  Here a re a few sample notes:

This is a fun one is by Nichola Battilana

And here is  sample messages that Abandoneer Nancy Smith came up with:

 This is a gift!!! It has been secretly placed here among everyday items simply for you to discover and enjoy.

 I am one of the many artists who want to share a small slice of what we love to do. If you are so inclined, please send a message to this address to inform us of it's fate.

 XXXXXX@XXXX.com (enter an email address here that you can receive messages at and then repost the message you receive on the Art Abandonment page for everyone to enjoy!)

 (The other option is to use the email address directly for this fb page, but unless they are a member of the page it will not work. That address is: ArtAbandonment@groups.facebook.com)

 Come Join Us at www.facebook.com/groups/ArtAbandonment

Here's a little welcome message for you...

 

That's it…hope you decide to join.  More exciting things to come...challenges an the like but for now...

Click here to start abandoning: 

http://www.facebook.com/groups/ArtAbandonment/

Comments

[simone]

Art saves lives!

[Sally Hoffman]

Wonderful, Michael and thanks again for all of your time and effort - even though I know you've had fun doing it:O) Cheers, Sally

[annetted]

Very awesome

[ellen]

Please Michael, would you leave me a charcoal drawing with note, down by the brook, at the bottom of my road?

[Belinda]

Loving this. I will be abandoning lots before I see you at Valley Ridge. I have discovered lots of "lost" art cause I have been rooting around for stuff to abandon. Love this idea. Hope recipients will do likewise.
Belinda

[Gail Bales]

Michael,
Love this group already. Would love to find a piece of your art! Super idea and I can't wait to see what else you have in mind for this group.

[Jen Crossley]

what a wonderful idea
I love the concept

[Lenna Young Andrews]

awesome! So glad I found the facebook group thanks to kathie gillaspey. I will definitely be participating!

[Beth Reiman]

A wonderful idea that is so timely! And this abandoning can be addicting!!

[Fran aka Redondowriter]

Great idea. I used to do this with books.

[Kae Pea]

Can't wait to abandon some art! :)

[Dragongourd]

I am so excited to be doing this. Thought you would like to see a website for a glass artist who has been doing this since 1976. I've always wanted to find one of his pieces.

http://www.joshsimpson.com/site/infinity-project.html

[reketa]

thank you for allowing me in your group. i have loads of creations that I had no clue what to do with. Now I know. You are awesome.

[Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries]

This is great! I never joined Facebook, but I can give you the link of my blogpost...because I just left a little artwork in my village.
Exciting!!! :-)

http://aliehoogenboezem-devries-atc.blogspot.nl/2012/07/art-abandonmentlaat-je-kunst-achter.html

greetings, Alie :-)

[Christina]

I found a piece. :) I had never heard of art abandonment before but its really cool. :) i just wanted to thank everyone for doing this.

[cool flash games]

I found a piece. :) I had never heard of art abandonment before but its really cool. :) i just wanted to thank everyone for doing this.
+1

[judie]

What fun this would be. I have been "salting" the beach for a long time, with painted and glittered rocks and shells. It's a happy feeling to sit back and be anonymous and watch (especially kids) find a treasure while they are shell hunting. I may try leaving art somewhere. Its always nice to share. And what a great way to do something with all that small art that sits in a drawer! Thanks Michael. (linked here from Miss Kool Aid)

[Jennytheartist.blogspot.com]

this sounds alot like my Painted Rock - Found Art project I'm desperately trying to get going. I would love others to join in, too: http://paintedrock.tumblr.com/

[Lori Moon]

So fun - I leave flowers randomly around NYC. Here is a link to my blog post - http://lorimoonstudio.blogspot.com/2012/05/day-7-may-flower-challenge-messages-to.html I'll have to check out your group on facebook.

[Arnoldo L. Romero]

I found out about Art Abandonment through a blogger that left a comment on my blog. It sounds like fun, so I've just requested to join the group on Facebook. I also wanted to take this opportunity to let you know that I loved your book DUSTY DIABLOS. I wrote a review on it for Amazon under my Latinpod pen name. The book also inspired me to start my own Loteria tag series. I have 2 done and am working on a 3rd one. It may take me a while to complete it, since I have a full time job. LOL! Blessings!

[choigocug]

Hello!
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[Francesca]

i can not express how excited I was to be the lucky one to have found this beautiful piece of art work - glass blown gazing balls! I was totally shocked to have read the note and found out this is what local artists do! I have always wanted to have one but could not really afford one at this time! I really was speechless at this very generous gesture. I called all my friends and relatives and told this story, some of them being artistic of some sort and they too have never heard of this, but they were just as impressed and surprised as I was. I have placed them on my dining table where I will gaze at and cherish them! Thank you so much for sharing!

[Annette]

I love the idea of Art Abandonment. At one time I was dabbling in geocaching and reminds me somewhat of that but to find something precious so unexpectedly is even better. I have a problem "letting go" of items that I make because I wonder if the things I make are not as good as I think they are so I end up keeping them for myself. I think it is time to part with them. Thanks for introducing me to Art Abandonment!

[nina k]

found beautiful artwork in the cobblestone center in UA ohio! It made my day! what a cool idea, thank you artist!!

[gollsamirita]

I wonderment why other professionals don't respond your website overmuch m happy I plant this.