The THINK POTATO INSTITUTE was the most recent manifestation of an ongoing project by artist Jeffrey Allen Price. The installation was temporarily located in an empty storefront in Riverhead, NY at 127 East Main St. next to The East End Arts Council where Price was Artist-in-Residence from late September through early November of 2010. The THINK POTATO INSTITUTE included potato-themed art and artifacts from all around the world, as well as works of potato art made by the artist.
The works on display were highlights from Price’s collection of hundreds of potato-related objects–a collection that includes art, photographs, prints, books, research, ephemera, toys, tools and utensils, memorabilia, music and of more. The goal of THINK POTATO INSTITUTE is to become a permanent entity and non-profit organization, part museum, part think-tank, and part institution of learning. The concept behind the THINK POTATO INSTITUTE demonstrates how the potato connects with people from all cultures and has the ability to affect positive social change. For the artist, the potato represents “an egalitarian potential…a natural, humble symbol that unites humanity.”
This temporary headquarters of the THINK POTATO INSTITUTE was an opportunity to help make people aware of the wonderfully diverse aspects of the potato, not just as the most nutritious vegetable in the world, but also the interesting role it plays in art and culture. The potato has played a curious role throughout history and has made an indelible impact in popular culture. So many aspects of the potato have been found useful beyond its importance as a food source. The potato can be used to create ethyl alcohol for powering automobiles (and alcohol for consumption), it can be made into biodegradable tableware, can create electricity, and has even been grown in outer space.