Maryhill Museum Seeks Chess Sets By Young Artists

Maryhill Museum of Art, renowned for its international and historic chess set collection, is inviting young Northwest artists to create original chess sets for exhibition in 2004. Students in kindergarten through twelfth grade are encouraged to submit entries.

Chess sets must be original concepts designed and fabricated by an individual, team, classroom or chess club. Sets can be constructed from a variety of art materials or found objects. It is not necessary for students to have advanced art skills to submit an entry.

We’re looking for creativity and originality, as well as sound construction techniques, said Courtney Spousta, curator of education. Imaginative use of materials and interpretation of each chess character are especially important.

For teachers who would like to incorporate this project into their curriculum, a special information packet is available from the Museum. For an entry form or teacher packet persons may contact Maryhill Museum.

Young artists seeking ideas for the competition will find a visit to the Museum most inspiring for there are about one hundred chess sets on permanent exhibit with a catalog, Sculptures In Miniature, available in the Museum Store. The catalog is filled with detailed color photographs and covers the history of chess and the Museum’s collection.

Also on display is Chessodontia, a chess set created by retired dentist John Neufeld of Selah, Washington. Each chess character in this oversized set of cast bronze is modeled after human teeth.

Also see: electronic chess and checkers.

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