Rollstone Studios

The Central Massachusetts Women’s Caucus for Art and the Fitchburg Cultural Alliance are sponsoring an introductory workshop in the making and trading of Artist Trading Cards. The workshop will take place on Thursday, July 23, from 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM at the Rollstone Studio, 633 Main St., Fitchburg. This activity is suitable for all ages and levels of expertise.

An ATC, as it is commonly known, is a small 2.5” by 3.5” self-designed card (sport card size) which is then traded, one for one, at a face to face exchange or by mail. The cards may be made of any materials in any medium or mixed media. This opens a wide area of possibilities for the creation of these little art works. Collage, stamping, printmaking, calligraphy, photography, digital imaging, textiles, clay, glass, etc., as well as the more traditional drawing and painting techniques which may be used. This workshop will focus on the use of basic around-the-house tools and recycled materials. Anyone can enjoy making and trading ATCs.

This international art activity has trading groups throughout the world and originated in Zürich, Switzerland in 1997, conceived by performance artist, M. Vänçi Stirnemann. His display of over 1200 cards led observers to want to purchase the cards. At his suggestion, however, each person desiring a card exchanged one of their own self-made cards for one of Stirnemann’s. Hence, ATCs are never sold…only traded. The exchange is part of the art process, the interaction of the participating artists is central to the art form.

The Women’s Caucus for Art is a national organization and the Central Massachusetts Chapter of WCA have a mission to support women in the visual arts professions. We are also committed to: education about the contributions of women, opportunities for the exhibition of women’s work, publication of women’s writing about art, inclusion of women in the history of art, professional equity for all, respect for all individuals without discrimination, and support for legislation relevant to our goals. For further information visit the Women’s Caucus for Art website.