I'd like to second what Jackie has just said, and add that papier mache here is seen as very much a child's activity.  It is one of the things you do at junior school, but hardly ever afterwards.  I have thought, though, that it is rather like doughcraft, which was until relatively recently, always seen as a children's activity.  Nowadays, it is recognised as a craft, if not an art, and is a legitimate adult pastime, with books galore written about it.  Let's hope that papier mache will be able to make that leap!

Sue
UK

Hi Rozani,
It is no different in the United States. Many see papier mache as a craft. Gift shops are more open to selling paper mache art than are galleries. In fact, most galleries are rather snobbish about it. Perhaps there's a misconception about it's durability or lack thereof. Perhaps we should start some sort of campaign to enlighten galleries. What say you Jackie? Sue?
Karen

Hi Karen!

I agree that for the most part, our art form is seen as more of a craft in many parts of the world.  However, the folks at many of the beach resorts may not know this.  There's lots of neat and far out stuff like yours out there in smaller galleries such as "The Zoo Gallery" in Destin, Florida.

Most states  that have been influenced by the Spanish, French or iItalian usually have papier mache' in some form or another.  It is definitely catching on, thanks to tourism.  I agree that the word needs to get out to galleries but also to the arts community in general.

I also believe, like Sue that the ephemeral aspect of papier mache' is part of the attraction.   I know that some people are afraid to have customers handle it.  However, gallery owners or exibitors can provide a proper means for display or mounting.  I prefer that people touch my work because they react to it in fascination while trying to figure out what it's made of.  I like to see their reactions.

Regards,

Rozani