Thunderdomesticity Party: Damsels vs. Distress
Miss Art World South Dakota Klaire Lockheart invites everyone to honor the end of Women’s History Month on Final Friday, March 31st at No. 7 Center Gallery, 7 Center Street, Vermillion, SD. The celebration includes the opening reception of the Thunderdomesticity: Damsels vs. Distress exhibition. The art reception, hosted by the Packard Group, LLC, lasts from 5:00-7:00 pm, and it’s free and open to the public. Thunderdomesticity: Damsels vs. Distress was juried by Klaire Lockheart, and prints of the selected artworks will be displayed outside on the north wall of No. 7 Center Gallery. This is the second annual Thunderdomesticity party, and guests are encouraged to dress up in post-apocalyptic costumes!
Thunderdomesticity: Damsels vs. Distress is a national juried art show designed to celebrate the strength of all women (including but not limited to: cis women, trans women, nonbinary, two-spirit, and gender fluid people). The current political climate can feel like the end of the world, but 50 amazing artists from across the United States offer encouragement through their artwork. This exhibition celebrates the heroic characteristics of women, which counterbalances traditional post-apocalyptic narratives that frequently exclude or mistreat women. The artwork is feminist, dystopian, and everything in between! There are over 100 works of art that include photography, paintings, mixed-media, henna, digital art, assemblage, fiber art, drawings, and ceramics. The range of art, from abstract to figurative, from traditional techniques to innovative uses of media, is exciting! These awesome artists know how to create powerful narratives through visual compositions.
The Thunderdomesticity: Damsels vs. Distress artists include: Abbie Graham, Abby Daleki, Amber Wright, Amy Langoni, Anndell Wubben, Anne Spooner, Art Fuentes (ARF), Becky Roberts, Bill Stamats, Blake Walker, Caitlyn Chellew, Cecille Santos, Cherie Lee, Cindy Hansen, Constance Klippen, Danny Sigelman, David Ezziddine, Donna Milligan, E. Schwinn, Emily Waters, Eric Anderson, Eric Marts, Evelyn Schmelling, Francine Fox, Hannah Bishop, Heidi Bennett, J Burke, Jacy Rooney, Jenna Robertson, JoAnn Telemdschinow ,Kate Glass, Kayla Koeune, Lacey Eidem, Leigh Nelson, Liana Lucier, Luci Hudson, Marla Goodman, Michael Doering, Naomi Even-Aberle, Nicole Houff, Phyllis W. Packard, Rachel Coyne, Racquel Banaszak, Remi Koebel, Rhonda Urdang, Rita Collins, Samantha Schenatzky, Shiri Phillips, Tia Sculpt, and Winnie van der Rijn.
In order to display such an abundance of fabulous artwork, the Packard Group professionally printed all the images as 8x8” squares. Juror Klaire Lockheart, will wheat-paste (glue) all of the artwork to the exterior of the building. When handling the artwork Lockheart stated, “I am honored to be able to curate this incredibly unique exhibition! Last year, I organized the first Thunderdomesticity art exhibition, and ‘Thunderdomesticity’ is a combination of ‘Thunderdome’ and ‘domesticity,’ which is why there is a feminine post-apocalyptic theme. This year, the show has ten times as many artists, and it’s wonderful to conclude Women’s History month with such a powerful art show.”
The outdoor print exhibition of Thunderdomesticity: Damsels vs. Distress will be on display on the north wall facing City Hall from March 31st through May 19th, 2023 at No. 7 Center Gallery, 7 Center Street, Vermillion, SD. The prints were created by Aaron C. Packard from the Packard Group. Due to the ephemeral nature of the wheat-paste installation, the prints are exposed to the elements and public. Over time, the prints will change, and they will be destroyed in the removal process after the show ends.
Thunderdomesticity: Damsels vs. Distress is a national juried art show designed to celebrate the strength of all women (including but not limited to: cis women, trans women, nonbinary, two-spirit, and gender fluid people). The current political climate can feel like the end of the world, but 50 amazing artists from across the United States offer encouragement through their artwork. This exhibition celebrates the heroic characteristics of women, which counterbalances traditional post-apocalyptic narratives that frequently exclude or mistreat women. The artwork is feminist, dystopian, and everything in between! There are over 100 works of art that include photography, paintings, mixed-media, henna, digital art, assemblage, fiber art, drawings, and ceramics. The range of art, from abstract to figurative, from traditional techniques to innovative uses of media, is exciting! These awesome artists know how to create powerful narratives through visual compositions.
The Thunderdomesticity: Damsels vs. Distress artists include: Abbie Graham, Abby Daleki, Amber Wright, Amy Langoni, Anndell Wubben, Anne Spooner, Art Fuentes (ARF), Becky Roberts, Bill Stamats, Blake Walker, Caitlyn Chellew, Cecille Santos, Cherie Lee, Cindy Hansen, Constance Klippen, Danny Sigelman, David Ezziddine, Donna Milligan, E. Schwinn, Emily Waters, Eric Anderson, Eric Marts, Evelyn Schmelling, Francine Fox, Hannah Bishop, Heidi Bennett, J Burke, Jacy Rooney, Jenna Robertson, JoAnn Telemdschinow ,Kate Glass, Kayla Koeune, Lacey Eidem, Leigh Nelson, Liana Lucier, Luci Hudson, Marla Goodman, Michael Doering, Naomi Even-Aberle, Nicole Houff, Phyllis W. Packard, Rachel Coyne, Racquel Banaszak, Remi Koebel, Rhonda Urdang, Rita Collins, Samantha Schenatzky, Shiri Phillips, Tia Sculpt, and Winnie van der Rijn.
In order to display such an abundance of fabulous artwork, the Packard Group professionally printed all the images as 8x8” squares. Juror Klaire Lockheart, will wheat-paste (glue) all of the artwork to the exterior of the building. When handling the artwork Lockheart stated, “I am honored to be able to curate this incredibly unique exhibition! Last year, I organized the first Thunderdomesticity art exhibition, and ‘Thunderdomesticity’ is a combination of ‘Thunderdome’ and ‘domesticity,’ which is why there is a feminine post-apocalyptic theme. This year, the show has ten times as many artists, and it’s wonderful to conclude Women’s History month with such a powerful art show.”
The outdoor print exhibition of Thunderdomesticity: Damsels vs. Distress will be on display on the north wall facing City Hall from March 31st through May 19th, 2023 at No. 7 Center Gallery, 7 Center Street, Vermillion, SD. The prints were created by Aaron C. Packard from the Packard Group. Due to the ephemeral nature of the wheat-paste installation, the prints are exposed to the elements and public. Over time, the prints will change, and they will be destroyed in the removal process after the show ends.
Invitation to Women and People of Marginalized Genders
All women (including but not limited to: cis women, trans women, nonbinary, and gender fluid people) are invited to create space for themselves in the fictitious post-apocalyptic landscape of Thunderdomesticity. Traditional “women’s work” is often undervalued in American culture, but skills such as sewing, gardening, cooking, and care-taking would be immensely valuable during and after the apocalypse. Unfortunately, women are often excluded from sci-fi and heroic tales. Don’t waste time waiting for movies, comics, and other forms of media to finally treat women with respect - create your own epic narrative!
Thunderdomesticity Costume Guide
Dress
Begin with a mid-20th century style “housewife” dress. It doesn’t need to be an actual vintage dress; a contemporary replica will work perfectly. Think of the archetypical 1950s American sitcom mom wardrobe. The dress should be modest, not low-cut, and about knee-length. The skirt should be puffy enough to allow for movement. Avoid tight and ill-fitting dresses. If the dress doesn’t have pockets, add them to make the clothing practical. Then, make holes and distress the fabric, but repair the damage with patches and darning. Include stains and visible evidence of battle and everyday wear.
Accessories
Many belts are necessary in the post-apocalypse for some reason; belts with spikes and rivets are preferable. Only wear multiple belts if they are comfortable. If it is cold, wear fur, fake fur, leather, or faux leather. Wear leggings, tights, shorts, or pants under the dress depending on the weather and comfort. Feel free to include gloves, such as evening, lace, or rubber gloves. Aprons are delightful, especially lacy and impractical ones that have been distressed and modified. Steampunk accessories, including goggles, are more than welcome. Wear traditional midcentury American jewelry. Pearl necklaces and brooches are a great start. Add skulls, skeletons, and spikes when necessary.
Footwear
All footwear must be functional and comfortable. Regardless of the following guidelines, footwear must be practical for the wearer. Flat shoes and comfortable boots are the priority. Black and brown boots and shoes are preferable. Absolutely no high heels will be permitted. (A slight heel is okay, but no stilettos or spike heels. Even though high heel hiking boots are hilarious, don’t wear them for this costume.) Platform shoes and boots are okay as long as they are functional. All shoes and boots must look like you could run and kick arse.
Hair
Take inspiration from pinup and punk rock hairstyles. The bigger the better. Consider 1940s-1950s hairstyles and wigs: victory rolls and bouffants for example. Unnatural colors are a plus. Hair should be very pristine and perfect, extremely messy, or everything in between.
Makeup
To create post-apocalyptic makeup, use loud and bright colors. Make sure your eyeshadow can be seen from a distance to strike fear into the hearts of your enemies. Don’t accidentally commit offensive cultural appropriation. When in doubt, use more eyeliner. Don’t wear false eyelashes if they inhibit your vision.
Weapons
Weapons are not a requirement. Do not use real weapons because this is art, not the art of actual war. (No real knives, firearms, crossbows, flame throwers, and so forth.) Start off with splatter painting old kitchen items with acrylic paint and see what that inspires.
Men’s Costumes
Typically women are ignored in post-apocalyptic stories, and their costumes look like they’re made out of the scraps left over from the men’s costumes. Thunderdomesticity men’s costuming is purposefully ignored to help create balance in media. People who identify as men are welcome to participate in Thunderdomesticity, but their costumes should be skimpy and appear as an afterthought. 1950s-style suits that appear to have gone through a shredder, tiny loin cloths, and mechanic rompers are encouraged. Their shoes and boots do not need to be practical.
Begin with a mid-20th century style “housewife” dress. It doesn’t need to be an actual vintage dress; a contemporary replica will work perfectly. Think of the archetypical 1950s American sitcom mom wardrobe. The dress should be modest, not low-cut, and about knee-length. The skirt should be puffy enough to allow for movement. Avoid tight and ill-fitting dresses. If the dress doesn’t have pockets, add them to make the clothing practical. Then, make holes and distress the fabric, but repair the damage with patches and darning. Include stains and visible evidence of battle and everyday wear.
Accessories
Many belts are necessary in the post-apocalypse for some reason; belts with spikes and rivets are preferable. Only wear multiple belts if they are comfortable. If it is cold, wear fur, fake fur, leather, or faux leather. Wear leggings, tights, shorts, or pants under the dress depending on the weather and comfort. Feel free to include gloves, such as evening, lace, or rubber gloves. Aprons are delightful, especially lacy and impractical ones that have been distressed and modified. Steampunk accessories, including goggles, are more than welcome. Wear traditional midcentury American jewelry. Pearl necklaces and brooches are a great start. Add skulls, skeletons, and spikes when necessary.
Footwear
All footwear must be functional and comfortable. Regardless of the following guidelines, footwear must be practical for the wearer. Flat shoes and comfortable boots are the priority. Black and brown boots and shoes are preferable. Absolutely no high heels will be permitted. (A slight heel is okay, but no stilettos or spike heels. Even though high heel hiking boots are hilarious, don’t wear them for this costume.) Platform shoes and boots are okay as long as they are functional. All shoes and boots must look like you could run and kick arse.
Hair
Take inspiration from pinup and punk rock hairstyles. The bigger the better. Consider 1940s-1950s hairstyles and wigs: victory rolls and bouffants for example. Unnatural colors are a plus. Hair should be very pristine and perfect, extremely messy, or everything in between.
Makeup
To create post-apocalyptic makeup, use loud and bright colors. Make sure your eyeshadow can be seen from a distance to strike fear into the hearts of your enemies. Don’t accidentally commit offensive cultural appropriation. When in doubt, use more eyeliner. Don’t wear false eyelashes if they inhibit your vision.
Weapons
Weapons are not a requirement. Do not use real weapons because this is art, not the art of actual war. (No real knives, firearms, crossbows, flame throwers, and so forth.) Start off with splatter painting old kitchen items with acrylic paint and see what that inspires.
Men’s Costumes
Typically women are ignored in post-apocalyptic stories, and their costumes look like they’re made out of the scraps left over from the men’s costumes. Thunderdomesticity men’s costuming is purposefully ignored to help create balance in media. People who identify as men are welcome to participate in Thunderdomesticity, but their costumes should be skimpy and appear as an afterthought. 1950s-style suits that appear to have gone through a shredder, tiny loin cloths, and mechanic rompers are encouraged. Their shoes and boots do not need to be practical.
Feral Housewife: Thunderdomesticity Costuming Workshop
Join artist Klaire Lockheart from the Unaccredited College of Klaire for a fun costume-making workshop online! Klaire will guide participants through the steps of distressing and repairing fabric to create an original post-apocalyptic Thunderdomesticity costume. No sewing skills are required because Klaire will help you learn how to create a one-of-a-kind costume that looks perfect for the post-apocalypse. Visit the Unaccredited College of Klaire to watch the free video tutorial to make a costume for the upcoming art reception.