Just Wanna Copyright for Makers Exhibit at the New England Quilt Museum

Welcome to Post #1 of the blog series for Just Wanna Copyright for Makers, which highlights concepts from the recently released book and accompanying exhibit at the New England Quilt Museum. 

In a world bursting with creativity, copyright is a hot topic for artists and makers. They invest heart and soul into their work, and understanding how to protect that work is crucial. We are so pleased and delighted that C&T cares about this issue and has published our book, Just Wanna Copyright for Makers. We are also delighted that we were invited to create an exhibit to accompany the book.

The exhibit, Just Wanna Copyright for Makers, at the New England Quilt Museum demonstrates copyright in action. With contributions from over 30 amazing artists, including quilters, weavers, felters, cartoonists, and more, the exhibit serves as both an exploration and a practical guide on the relationship. The image being used is an interpretation of the famous public domain The Unicorn Rests in a Garden, circa 1495-1505—In the collection of The Met Cloisters, New York, NY reimagined by Sage Mend.

For the next twelve weeks, we will be taking you through the exhibit and lessons step-by-step through this series of blog posts.

The Importance of Copyright for Artists

Copyright may seem intimidating, yet it's vital for anyone in the arts. It safeguards creators’ rights, allowing them to control how their work is used and shared. It also helps us understand all of the amazing elements we can use in our art, either because the elements are not protected by copyright, or we have other reasons (fair use, permissions, fans celebrating, or…maybe we are being naughty?) This exhibit underscores that grasping copyright is essential not just for protecting individual creations but also for nurturing a thriving creative community.

The exhibit features information along with beautiful quilt and fiber art examples that simplify complex copyright laws, presenting them in an easily digestible manner. For instance, one area highlights how artists can register their works to protect them legally. Knowing that the potential for unauthorized use exists can be daunting, but understanding the laws can ease that fear.

Engaging Exhibits

The exhibit goes beyond conversations. It showcases stunning works that reflect each artist’s unique approach to creating works. Visitors can admire intricate designs that represent both creativity and the lifecycle of copyright. The quilts and fiber art tell stories through their patterns, illustrating collaboration and respect for intellectual property in a tangible way.

Reflection on the Exhibit

Just Wanna Copyright for Makers at the New England Quilt Museum is more than an exhibition; it’s an essential resource for artists and makers seeking to understand the nuances of copyright. The discussions create connections among creators, reinforcing that they share similar struggles. Visitors will leave feeling informed and inspired, equipped with knowledge to protect their work and encouraged to embrace their creativity.

This exhibit serves as a reminder that copyright is not just a legal requirement but a vital support system for those sharing their artistic expressions. Creative journeys, whether by seasoned artists or emerging makers, can flourish by understanding and navigating the rights that offer protection. Engaging with the discussions and exploring the dynamic works on display promises to enrich every attendee’s artistic journey.

What will you learn from the book? From the Exhibit? 

Just Wanna Copyright for Makers takes you through the various issues that arise when you make a work -- from the idea stage to making to promoting to protecting. Next post we will discuss the Copyright Lifecycle of a Work!

The exhibit takes concepts like ideas, non-protectable elements, and derivative works and brings them to life using fiber art examples. We will be highlighting the artists throughout the next twelve weeks. But a preview includes: 

• Quilters from Project Quilting
• Fiber artist Amy Yoes
• Artist Kit Montgomery
• Quilter Marianne Fons
• Quilter Laura Piland
• Quilter Wendy Starn
• Cartoonist Anya Davidson
• Quilter Sandra Hoving Engstrad
• Quilter Latifah Saafir
• Artist and Lawyer Alfred Steiner
• Quilter Patrice Denault
• Textile Artist and Weaver Sage Mend
• Quilter Joel Sellers
• Quilter and Artist Camisiah Butler
• Artist and Writer Sidne K. Gard (and co-creator of the exhibit)
• Artist Kita Harvey
• Quilter Kestrel Michaud
• Quilter Cheryl Sleboda Whited
• Artist Annsley Williams
• Quilter Edith Gross
• Quilter Paula Nadelstern

We will be profiling these artists throughout the next twelve weeks as a way to celebrate both the exhibit, the book, and of course, copyright!

For more information on the New England Quilt Museum, go to: Just Wanna Copyright for Makers at the New England Quilt Museum.

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Elizabeth Townsend Gard is the John E. Koerner Endowed Professor of Law at Tulane University Law School and an avid quilter since childhood. She holds a Ph.D. in Cultural History from UCLA and has been cited by the U.S. Supreme Court for her work on copyright. Elizabeth is the lead author of the series. Elizabeth focuses on the legal expertise of the book.

Sidne K. Gard is a Distinguished Scholar Scholarship student at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and an Entertainment Editor at F Newsmagazine. Sidne focuses on translating legal concepts to artists and crafters. Sidne is the Managing Editor and Design Director for the Just Wanna Trademark for Makers series.

Elizabeth and Sidne started Just Wanna Quilt, which has also expanded to crafts and art. Listen to the podcast and learn more at justwannaquilt.com.