Case Study: STÖR
Rebranding Art Patronage — STÖR x Wishbone Industrial Arts
Photos By: Tatyana Monzon | Films About Artists
Overview
In late 2024, Seattle-based artist and Wishbone Industrial Arts co-founder Mary Anne Carter co-curated STÖR, an immersive, tongue-in-cheek art installation that transformed a downtown space into a vibrant, IKEA-inspired art marketplace. Partnering with artist Lilia Deering , Carter reimagined the traditional gallery experience, inviting over 10,000 visitors to engage with contemporary art in a setting that blended consumer familiarity with artistic innovation.
Concept and Execution
STÖR, held at Basecamp Studios 2 in the historic Bergman Luggage Building, featured works from 37 Pacific Northwest artists. The exhibition's design mimicked the layout and aesthetic of a well-known Swedish furniture retailer, complete with mock product tags and showroom setups. This approach aimed to lower barriers to art appreciation by situating artworks in a context recognizable to a broad audience.
Carter's expertise in soft sculpture and installation art was evident throughout STÖR. Her partners at Wishbone provided invaluable support through the fabrication of custom lighting, furnishings, and tableware. Carter’s contributions included vibrant, tactile pieces that blurred the lines between functional objects and art, encouraging visitors to interact with the installations in a hands-on manner.
Community Engagement and Impact
STÖR was more than an art exhibition; it was a community event that drew diverse audiences, including those who might not typically visit art galleries. Some attendees even mistook the space for an actual furniture store, highlighting the installation's success in creating an accessible and inviting atmosphere.
The exhibition's popularity was bolstered by events like a Black Friday sale and a well-attended closing reception, which became the highest sales day of the show. These events not only supported local artists financially but also fostered a sense of community around the arts in Seattle.
Conclusion
Mary Anne Carter's role in STÖR exemplifies her commitment to making art accessible and engaging. By leveraging familiar retail aesthetics and interactive installations, she challenged traditional notions of art spaces and invited a broader audience to participate in the artistic experience. STÖR stands as a testament to the power of innovative curation and design in expanding the reach and impact of contemporary art.
For more information on Mary Anne Carter's work, visit her official website or follow her on Instagram.