Elsewhere: Everything and Nothing You've Seen Before

The class was sitting in the studio when we first were told of Elsewhere. A collection of anything and everything, Elsewhere was a difficult concept to understand. “It’s a Museum!” Suzanne exclaimed, but none of us could grasp what we were heading into.

Placed in an average looking building, from the street, the museum gives the allusion of an old, antique or vintage store. The structure does not give away the astonishment and curiosity that lives within. Even though Suzanne told us what we could find in Elsewhere, nothing could prepare me as I walked through the front door. A pat-racker’s paradise, Elsewhere is the product of Sylvia Gray and years of collecting anything she could get a hold of. Recently organized (to an extent), the contents of the buildings are out for people to interact with, and artists to come in a manipulate for featured exhibits.
On the first day at Elsewhere we were to place sticky notes on items we wished to draw. Overwhelmed with options, each of us were allowed to draw anything on the first floor level. As I placed my sticky notes around the museum, it became clear that all of my selected objects were ones I, either had when younger, or once came in contact with. It is funny how, even in the mist of chaos and unfamiliarity, one will immediately find order and familiar aspects.I had a blender like this when I was younger. It's funny how something so simple and small can spark so many memories.
The quotes on the Blackboard make no sense whatsoever, but I think it adds to the quirky appeal.
Would anyone care for some groud Mustard?

The next day we arrived at Elsewhere, we were actually told why we were there to begin with. We were to Map out the first floor, using our drawings as the blueprints. Any successful method to capture the essence of Elsewhere was accepted and appriciated. I knew that, as a place to draw, I needed variety and complexity. I chose the fridge and kitchen area, because of it’s common presence in every single household. This space is far more interesting than an average kitchen, however. Not only is the space layered with spices and cooking utensils, but also with various sized refrigerators. The main fridge is a white backdrop for cut out articles, alphabet magnets, fliers, and other items deemed “pinned on the fridge,” material.
I drew the overview of my space first, with the general idea of the layers. Then I started to draw the details. In doing this, I think that it is easier to understand how much stuff is in anygiven spot, in Elsewhere.

This view is actually that of where I am sitting, at the kitchen table. Not only did I want to view my chosen space from head on, but I also wanted to experience it from the space itself.

In the weeks our drawing class spent in Elsewhere, I believe we all have aqquired far more appreciative concepts of space and analyzing it to create maximum impact in our work. It was a pleasure to be apart of Elsewhere, and I can only hope that others will benefit from the experience, as much as we did.