Rachel Epp Buller

Hoping You Are Well

south gallery | December 2 - 20, 2020

Rachel Epp Buller’s installation is a direct response to the sudden changes in the way we engage with art and museums forced upon us during COVID times. As one of our Biennial artists, Epp Buller was scheduled to be in residence this spring but with organizational closings, social distancing protocol, and other COVID regulations, all of our Biennial residencies were postponed. 

This exhibition features projects that highlight the ways we care for each other through the written word. Her projects include: Taking Care, a participatory project in letters and thread; Pandemic Epistles, a daily practice of handwritten letters; and Letters to the Future, a series of word-based drawings and recorded audio. “Communication takes on new meaning in pandemic times.” Epp Buller affirms in her artist’s statement, “Standard phrases like ‘take care’ or ‘I hope this finds you well,’ polite but often generic expressions in an earlier time, now convey the weight of hope against a deadly virus.” Letter writing can offer a physical connection when physical contact is not an option. During her residency Epp Buller will be secluded with her work in the South Gallery space, the only connection with the artist will be through letter writing.

Letter Writing INstructions

Viewers are invited to write letters for the Taking Care project and send them through the post or deliver them through the mail slot in the gallery door.

What do you write about?

We invite you to write a letter about a time you felt cared for by someone else and deliver them to Rachel while she is in residence with us, December 2- 20. 

Where do we take/send our letters?

Letters can be dropped off in person at the Art Center during our public hours, Wednesday - Saturday 11am-5pm, or mailed to the following address: 

Rachel Epp Buller

Salina Art Center

242 S Santa Fe

Salina, KS 67401

Can we write her letters at the Art Center?

Yes! The artery area in the Education Wing will be set up, beginning November 2, with paper and pencils and you are more than welcome to come on in to write your letter!

Events and Programming

curator conversations: Helena Reckitt with Rachel Epp Buller

Friday, December 11, 2020 | 12PM

Join curator Helena Ricket for a conversation with artist Rachel Epp Buller on durational work, feminist art, and Rachel's current project "Taking Care." Participate on Facebook Live or Zoom.

Virtual Sewing Circle | Second Sunday

Sunday, December 13, 2020 | 2PM

Join Salina Art Center's December resident artist for a virtual sewing circle. Rachel will demonstrate stitching techniques, talk about her project, and facilitate a discussion about care. Rachel asks that viewers bring their own handwork to share with the group; embroidery, knitting, crochet, etc. Our conversation can be happening while we work with our hands. Free on Zoom. Registration Required.

Lunch and Learn

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 | 12pm

Join Rachel Epp Buller as she talks about her current installation at the Salina Art Center.

Participate on Facebook Live or Zoom.