Last summer, I decided I wanted to start a new tradition of a collaborative guerrilla art installation called the Puzzle Art Project. This year I continued the tradition, albeit a bit belated due mostly to my personal issues this summer and also since a few people didn’t follow through or pieces got lost in the mail so I had to re-order another puzzle. For all those issues I sincerely apologize. I’m sincerely grateful to those of you who followed through with the project’s deadline months ago, and I’m sorry you had to wait so long to see your piece incorporated in the final installation!

Puzzle Art Project Round 2 | Uncustomary

Moving on. In case you weren’t around for last year’s installation, there are 36 pieces of this giant floor puzzle that’s intended for kids to draw on and create their own puzzle. Well, we created our own puzzle alright, but it was a little more elaborate than just scribbling with crayon on the ground in one fell swoop. People from all over the world signed up and I sent them their randomly assigned piece. They were able to create whatever they wanted on the top side, using any mediums/themes/colors. Then, they mailed me back their piece and I collected the beautiful creations one by one until we finally had all the parts of the literal puzzle.

Puzzle Art Project Round 2 | Uncustomary

I’m so excited with the turnout this year. Personally, I think it was worth the wait. Everything is SO pretty, and I really enjoy the way that strangers’ pieces interact together in unintended ways or there are clumps of color themes that were totally unplanned. Also, we had some participation from some different countries! The UK, Germany, Hong Kong, South Korea, and the US (13 states and DC!).

Puzzle Art Project Round 2 | Uncustomary

What sucked last year was as soon as I installed the finished puzzle, it was stolen. People who were local wanted to visit the installation in person, but when they got there all that was left was the sign. So this year I decided to be slightly less guerrilla about it and install it outside the Hollywood Diner which has recently been taken over by The Artist’s Compound (run by my awesome friend, Chaz). So there’s people there during parts of the day to “monitor”. It’s still outside, though, and you can visit it when you can! (Remember, though, it’s still guerrilla art and once you put something on the streets it is a gift to the people– I can’t guarantee how long it will stay up! So the sooner the better.)

Puzzle Art Project Round 2 | Uncustomary

If you like someone’s art, feel free to click through to their site if they have one!




The Hollywood Diner is located on Saratoga Street across the street from what used to be Sonar (RIP), in between Gay St. and Holliday. It’s not a super inhabited area, so you won’t have any trouble with parking, but beware of one ways!

Puzzle Art Project Round 2 | Uncustomary

Thank you to every single person who participated in this installation. I am so incredibly proud of all of you. I appreciate you sharing your art with my mailbox, Baltimore’s streets, and the world via the internet! The best part about this project is that it couldn’t have happened without each and every one of you. You are all an equal part of this collaboration.

Puzzle Art Project Round 2 | Uncustomary

If you weren’t able to participate in this round, there will definitely be another one next year. If you’re on my e-mail list, you’ll get updates before anyone else so make sure you’re all signed up and stay tuned for more collaborative projects! They’re my favorite.

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Oh! And like last year, I will be ordering “meta puzzles” AKA a jigsaw puzzle where the image is of our finished puzzle. If you would like to order one, please check out below. You have until October 11th to place your order.


Location



I’d love to know which piece is your favorite below in the comments!