In mid-August, MCAC Curator Alison Hatcher sent letters to artists inviting them to participate in this exhibition. Specifically, artists were invited to create a work, not exceeding 18 x 18 x 18 in., responding to the phrase Dorothy's red shoes. Hatcher explained that a chief concern for MCAC is attracting the public to our space. Once it was suggested that to increase our audience the MCAC should borrow Dorothy’s red shoes from the Smithsonian! Though those could be of interest to some viewers, we’d rather see how they, our associated artists, would deal with the iconic ruby red slippers.

Coincidentally, on August 30, 2005, the Associated Press reported from Grand Rapids, Minnesota that "a pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz and insured for $1 million is missing from a Grand Rapids Museum. Police Chief Leigh Serfling said the slippers were stolen late Saturday or early Sunday. Someone entered through a window and broke into a small display case holding the items." Now, should the MCAC worry that one or more of the artists who received Hatcher’s letter went to destructive lengths and stole one of the "four pairs of ruby slippers worn by Garland in the 1939 movie" for inclusion in our exhibition? (As far as we know the Smithsonian Institution still has possession of their pair.) Who knows? But be sure to see the exhibition featuring specially created works by over eighty artists. The majority of participating artists is local; additionally two artists from London, one from NYC, one from Kansas, of course, and five from Chicago are joining in the fun.

To celebrate the exhibition’s opening, MCAC is throwing a Halloween Party (for grown-ups) on Friday, October 28, from 5pm to 8pm (suggested donation $5). Costumes are encouraged, but not required. There will be prizes for best costume, games, entertainment, and refreshments. And on Saturday, October 29, from Noon to 4pm, MCAC offers Drawing OZ, a free family art activity. Join us for large-scale collaborative drawing, the film, and refreshments.