Shower of Stoles Project
Arrange for an Exhibit
TO REQUEST AN EXHIBIT
You'll find the Exhibit Request Form here.
WHERE CAN THE STOLES BE EXHIBITED?
The stoles can be exhibited in any indoor space you can think of! The majority of exhibits are for individual congregations or regional denominational bodies. In addition, the stoles have been exhibited at national and regional women's gatherings, educational events, workshops, ecumenical gatherings, colleges, seminaries, and GLBT Pride celebrations.
WHAT DO WE NEED TO KNOW BEFORE REQUESTING STOLES?
Before you contact us about requesting stoles for an exhibit, it is helpful if you know what kind of space you will be using for your exhibit, what kind of budget you have to work with, and how much preparation you will be able to put into setting up your exhibit. Exhibit suggestions on our website can help you formulate ideas. Once you have some rough ideas we can help you plan an exhibit that will fit your needs.
HOW MANY STOLES CAN WE REQUEST?
You can request any number of stoles, from a dozen to the entire collection. We encourage supportive churches to request one or two dozen stoles to exhibit on the Sunday that a new pastor or officers are ordained and installed as a way to remember and pray for those who cannot be ordained.
Many groups request 100 or 200 stoles for special services or events. The entire collection can be exhibited at larger events. Exhibits of 200 or more require the presence of a Project staff person to be present. Please refer below for details.
Demand for stoles is especially high in January, June, and October, so we need to limit the size of exhibits during those times.
WHAT IS THE COST FOR GETTING THE STOLES?
- $50 for exhibits of 1-50 stoles
- $85 for exhibits of 51-125 stoles
- $140 for exhibits of 126-200 stoles
- Contact StolesProject@WelcomingResources.org for exhibits of more than 200 stoles
In addition, we ask for a free-will donation to the Project (in any amount) for the repair and upkeep of the collection. We will pay to ship the stoles to you, and you will pay to return them to us. A box of 50 stoles costs $15-20 with FedEx Ground. (Shipments to Hawaii and outside the US cost considerably more. In these cases, you will be responsible for round-trip shipping.) Groups considering larger exhibits or special shipments need to contact the Shower of Stoles Project directly for more information.
HOW DO I GO ABOUT SECURING A DATE FOR AN EXHIBIT?
We are usually able to accommodate requests for small numbers of stoles with a month's notice. The larger the exhibit, the more lead time we will need. Demand for stoles is especially high in January, June, and October, so we need to limit the size of exhibits during those times. Groups requesting a large exhibit often book dates six months to a year in advance, so contact us early!
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN SETTING UP AN EXHIBIT?
The amount of work depends on the number of stoles you request. A small number of stoles (under 50) can be arranged by one person relatively quickly. Exhibits of up to 200 stoles can be set up by a small group in an afternoon.
HOW CAN THEY BE DISPLAYED?
The stoles can be hung from a rope, a clothesline, or wire. If using wire, make sure that it is plastic-coated, as bare wire can leave grease stains. The stoles can be draped over tables and chairs, or can be draped over clothes hangers and hung from nails in the wall.
The stoles should be hung at eye level. While hanging them from a balcony may be visually exciting, the real impact happens when people are able to read the stories attached to each stole.
LARGE EXHIBITS
When we refer to a "large exhibit," we are usually talking about an exhibit of over 200 stoles, accompanied by someone from the Project who will be responsible for overseeing the set-up and interpretation of the exhibit. The Project representative is available to speak at your event, or to preach at a church service.
Depending on where you are, a Project representative can either drive or fly. If we fly, all of the stoles and materials will be shipped ahead of time via FedEx.
Your group will be responsible for:
- EITHER: Round trip airfare and FedEx shipping costs OR round-trip mileage from Minneapolis (at the current IRS mileage reimbursement rate), housing and meals en-route, plus any tolls.
- Housing and meals for the duration of the exhibit. We suggest that you have us stay with a local family to avoid motel costs.
- A negotiable stipend to cover the Project representative's time and to help with the ongoing work of the Project.
- Any materials needed on-site to set up the exhibit (the Project staff will let you know in advance what is needed).
In addition, someone will need to be in charge of coordinating local arrangements and acting as a liaison with the Project. This person will be responsible for making (or delegating) the following arrangements:
- Secure a large enough space to hold the exhibit, and provide a contact name and phone number for the person who is responsible for that space.
- Recruit volunteers to unpack and set up the exhibit and to later take it down and repack. The number of volunteers needed depends on the size of the exhibit. The Project staff can advise.
- Schedule a minimum of three hours to set up 200 stoles and another two to take them down. Larger exhibits and complicated spaces can require up to 10 hours or more for set-up.
- Provide a table for interpretive materials about the Project.
- Provide appropriate publicity for your event.
- We will create a program tailored to the specific needs of your particular group. Tell us about the nature of your church or group well in advance so we can plan accordingly.
In the interest of keeping your costs down, we encourage you to invite others to participate in bringing the stoles to the community. You can:
- Invite other churches or groups to co-sponsor the exhibit.
- Arrange for another church, college or seminary in your area to have an exhibit right before or after yours, and split the cost with you.
- Seek out major donors who can cover a specific expense, such as airfare or mileage.
- Take up an offering at your event, and keep an offering basket out at all times.
QUESTIONS?
Contact The Shower of Stoles Project by email at StolesProject@WelcomingResources.org or by phone at 612.821.4397. We will be happy to answer your questions and assist you in setting up an exhibit or program to fit your needs.
