The Atlas of Gifted Ideas @ Henry Art Gallery in Seattle

This sounds like such a great idea - I have sent in some poetry and Sumi-e images! Pay if forward by gifting...

12/17/2009 - I was not accepted - thought it was a very open invitation but they only selected about 20 entries... or at least that's what the showannouncement letter seems to say.

The Atlas of Gifted Ideas



An atlas is usually a collection of maps, charts and tables, most commonly of the earth’s geography, but there are also atlases of the solar system, moons and planets and things further out. In the end, an atlas is a collection of visual material and text on any subject of interest. We are longing for an atlas of gifted ideas.


Atlas is the brother of Prometheus. Prometheus plays with fire and Atlas has to hold up the skies; he creates space and separates the divine from everyday experience; his duty is not to mix up things and to keep the overview. We would encourage you to play with both of them: to burn your fingers and to walk out towards the divine.


We invite you to participate in a collaborative, artist-powered project called “The Gift Shop” at the Henry Art Gallery in Seattle, Washington. We are in charge of the space for three weeks, beginning December 18th. During this time ‘The Atlas of Gifted Ideas’ will unfold, with your gifted ideas illuminating the ceiling and walls. With a spirit of generosity and an openness to the contingency of chance we will bring together ideas in the form of drawings and poems: mingle them and give them away like new fortunes.

Please send us your drawing, image or poem to pass on, to position, to communicate, to travel and join ‘The Atlas of Gifted Ideas'.


For drawings and images: send a .jpg file in a resolution which would allow a black and white print 8 ½ x 11”.


For poems, send a simple word document.


The Atlas of gifted ideas will be a world in black and white.


All images/poems must be received by December 11th at the latest. Please send them to atlasofgiftedideas@gmail.com


The opening date of this constellation is December 18 at 7pm in the Gift Shop at the Henry Art Gallery. We would be happy to see you there.

Shaw Osha & Heide Hinrichs