un/common lines draws upon a long history of women coming together to engage in craft for personal fulfillment and as a means for promoting community, social justice, and activism. Bearing witness to our individual and collective strength in navigating the often-harsh realities of our personal and universal female journey through (and despite) discriminatory, inequitable, patriarchal systems, on our personal and universal path as women in the worlds we travel, uncommon lines projects are designed to celebrate our capacities and accomplishments while intentionally attending to what may need healing as we move forward together.
These un/common lines gatherings of women poets, writers and artists create spaces for the shared knowledge, experience, and care that is best embodied by community. Together, we can “make our own map” for healing our spirits and going forward in ever-challenging times.
Founder/Director
Marilyn J. Narey is a transdisciplinary artist based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A former teacher, university professor, and author of scholarly books, Narey transitioned to full time arts-focused endeavors in her Studio 117: PULP AND PAPERWORKS at Radiant Hall McKees Rocks. un/common lines is the in-community component of her studio work.
“In my previous roles as teacher and professor in public institutions, I consistently created opportunities to engage my students in community through my unique arts-based projects and partnerships. Now, as a full-time artist, I continue to seek opportunities to engage with the public in arts-based initiatives. To that end, I have created un/common lines as the “in-community” component of my pulp and paperworks arts practice.”
Organizational Structure
Each un/common lines project and community partnership is informed by an advisory committee drawn from the community in which the project or partnership is based, This flexible organizational structure supports close alignment with each community’s goals and values and ensures that voices of project participants are heard.