A Warsaw teacher helped complete a collaborative project that is currently on display at the Rochester Contemporary Art Center. Photo provided.

Press Release

WARSAW — Warsaw Area Career Center teacher and artist Andrea Miller recently completed a collaborative project with artist Amelia Toelke of Chatham, N.Y.

The pair received recognition for their art project that celebrates 100 years of women voting. Miller and Toelke contributed to an exhibition titled “Underpin and Overcoat.” Artists and organizations were invited to contribute designs to provide a platform for additional voices by rescaling and reimagining political buttons to be placed on the architectural exteriors of buildings, according to a news release.

Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo) and the National Susan B. Anthony Museum and House, with SewGreen@Rochester, present this new public art installation celebrating the major women’s rights anniversaries this year. 2020 marks the 200th birthday of human rights activist Susan B. Anthony and the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment.

“Underpin and Overcoat” is a public art installation in the form of oversized pin-back buttons scaled to fit buildings in Rochester, N.Y. Miller and Toelke were inspired by the objects suffragists  often made such as pins, ribbons, sashes and medals. The projects gives greater presence to jewelry and wearable objects that are tools for protest, action and identity-formation.

“Underpin and Overcoat” aims to unify the public, inspire action, bring joy, ask questions and create a space for viewers to insert their own messages and ideals. Original designs by Miller and Toelke will be on display through November 2020. “Underpin and Overcoat” is part of a three-part project called “Worn.” Visit the project’s website for more information.