Ackland to unveil ‘Bags from Banners’ product line

The Ackland Art Museum celebrates artistic creativity within the community.

In the spirit of this educational mission, the museum’s store has partnered with local designer Jennifer Collins-Mancour in re-purposing museum event banners to create a line of tote, messenger and accessory bags.

“Bags from Banners” will be a continuous line of merchandise at the store. All proceeds from sales will support the Ackland’s educational programs.

Messenger bags and large totes are $60, small totes are $32 and accessory bags are $24.

The first collection of bags will be unveiled at a launch party at the store tonight.

In addition to recycling the banners, the line will allow people to take home part of a former Ackland exhibition, said Melinda Rittenhouse, the assistant store manager.

The first collection of bags comes from last spring’s “DE-NATURED” exhibition banner, which was at the museum from April to July.

At tonight’s launch party, guests will vote on which former exhibit’s banner will be transformed next.

Collins-Mancour designs the bags under her JenJen label.

She said it is her goal to provide customers not just with a durable, practical bag, but also with a work of art.

“You want to create the feel of the banner in the bag so that people can recognize it,” she said.

Before teaming up with Collins-Mancour, the Ackland had been looking for a creative and meaningful way to use the exhibit banners for a long time, said Alice Southwick, store manager.

“Jennifer is a remarkably talented woman and produced some prototypes for us,” Southwick said.

“We made some minor design tweaks to the products and we were on our way.”

Collins-Mancour said she has been working with recycled, non-traditional materials for the last seven years.

“I’m always looking for ways to reduce the landfill,” she said.

Collins-Mancour said that her mission and the mission of the Ackland aligned seamlessly.

She said she plans to continue the “Bags from Banners” collection at the Ackland Museum Store and possibly introduce additional recycled-material products such as jewelry and hats.

The staff at the Ackland is excited about the collaboration with Collins-Mancour, Rittenhouse said.

“It’s a good way for the museum to get out in the community and create other works of art.”

Contact the Arts Editor at arts@dailytarheel.com.