DETROIT MONTH OF DESIGN PROPOSAL: PRISM GARDEN

PROPOSAL: Solo exhibit of Emily Schnellbacher Bean’s wall-hanging soft-sculpture canvases during the 2026 Detroit Month of Design.

ARTIST CV: Click here to view

ARTIST STATEMENT AND BIO: Click here to view

TIMELINE: September 2026

EVENT DESCRIPTION

PRISM GARDEN is an immersive installation composed of eighteen distinct circular soft sculptures. The work investigates the intricate connection between botanical geometry, the material memory embedded in fashion textiles, and chromatic rhythm. By merging the rigid constraints of the canvas frame with fluid, hand-sewn textures, the installation forms a radiant constellation. Each circular piece serves as a densely packed ecosystem where hundreds of individually crafted fabric succulents bloom outward with intense sculptural depth. The installation transforms fashion materials into lush, tactile flora that redefines how textile art interacts with, and alters, architectural space.

THE GUEST EXPERIENCE: Guests will encounter a meticulously organized environment based on the principles of the color wheel. The eighteen works, ranging in scale from 18 to 42 inches in diameter, are strategically arranged at varied heights and intervals, creating a sense of organic expansion across the gallery walls. Viewers are guided by a palpable chromatic rhythm, shifting from a broad macro view of the spectrum to the dense, detailed micro level found within each piece. Guests are invited to rediscover familiar textiles through a fresh lens of rigorous pattern-making craftsmanship.

WHY IT IS TIMELY FOR DETROIT: Detroit’s design community is currently exploring the "Design Moves the Future" theme by looking at how traditional craft can be elevated through modern technical frameworks. PRISM GARDEN represents this shift by showcasing how rigorous design logic and textile manipulation can be used to solve architectural challenges, turning static walls into dynamic, sensory-rich environments. The installation contributes a fresh perspective to Detroit’s design scene by demonstrating that high-concept fine art can merge the softness of textile design with a complex, patterned engineering logic, pushing the boundaries of material resilience and aesthetic joy.

SPACE NEEDS

IDEAL SETTING: My primary preference is a white wall gallery space or a clean, interior environment that allows the vibrant colors of the textiles to serve as the focal point.

VERSATILITY AND ALTERNATIVE SPACES: I am highly open to industrial warehouses, converted lofts, or clean, empty buildings, provided they are indoor environments protected from the weather. The modular nature of the eighteen circular works allows them to be configured to suit unique architectural features or large, expansive wall surfaces.

RETAIL AND EXPOSURE CONSIDERATIONS: While I am open to retail storefronts, the installation requires protection from direct, prolonged sunlight to maintain the integrity and color saturation of the fashion textiles. An interior wall within a retail space or a storefront with UV protection or limited direct exposure would be appropriate.

FOOTPRINT: 400 to 500 square feet. This accommodates 50 linear feet of wall space to allow for a staggered, "breathing" installation of 18 sculptures, while providing enough floor depth for guests to view the full spectrum.

VENUE ACCESS: ADA compliance is preferred for guest accessibility.

LOAD-IN: No specialized equipment or loading dock required. All eighteen sculptures are lightweight and can be manually transported via standard hallways or stairs.

POWER: No high-voltage power needed. Access to standard gallery or directional lighting is preferred.

MODULAR FLEXIBILITY: The eighteen circular sculptures are modular and can be configured to fit a single continuous 50 foot wall or wrapped around multiple surfaces within a room. This allows the installation to adapt to unique architectural layouts or partitioned gallery spaces.

LOW-IMPACT INSTALLATION: All works are lightweight and utilize standard hanging hardware. I provide all necessary materials and can complete the installation within a single day, ensuring minimal disruption to the venue’s daily operations.

VISION FOR THE SPACE: My goal is to transform standard walls into a sensory-rich environment. I am eager to collaborate with a venue that appreciates tactile design and is interested in hosting a vibrant, low-maintenance feature for the duration of Detroit Month of Design.

PUBLIC ACTIVATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Prism Garden is designed to be an active space for community dialogue, tactile learning, and creative exploration. To maximize the installation's impact during Detroit Month of Design, I am fully equipped to host the following public-facing activations:

• Artist Talk & Curatorial Walkthrough: A 30–45 minute interactive gallery talk exploring the intersection of traditional hand-sewn textile craft and modern geometric engineering logic. I will discuss the translation of botanical structures into modular fabric forms, offering attendees a deeper look into the technical drafting and color theory behind the installation.

• Tactile Soft-Sculpture Workshop: A hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop where participants explore the basics of structural textile art. Drawing from the geometric principles of Prism Garden, attendees will learn basic hand-stitching, form-building, and manipulation techniques to create their own small, modular fabric studies to take home.

• Turnkey Logistics: I have a proven track record of facilitating these workshops and will provide all specialized tools, fabric remnants, and stuffing supplies. The hosting venue would only need to provide standard seating and table space for participants.

COMPLETED WORK (6 ADDITIONAL EXHIBIT PIECES IN PRODUCTION)

Interested in collaborating? > I am actively seeking venue partners and curatorial alignments for Detroit Month of Design 2026. For inquiries regarding custom configurations, space curation, or availability, please contact me at emilyschnellbacher@gmail.com.