RURAL (adj.)
From early 15th century; of persons “living in the countryside.” From Old French rural (14th century)from Latin ruralis, from rus (genitive ruris) meaning “open land” and from *reue, “to open” (a verb)and “space” in the sense of a “room”... Room: Middle English roum from Old English rum - “space, extent; sufficient space” - a space fit for a certain type of activity or occasion…
The concept of roomth, the creation of sufficient space, is related; as is the concept of “making room,” which may be understood as opening not just a space, but within that space a passage, or making – creating, finding – a way through.
FRINGE (n) (adj)
Early 14c., "ornamental bordering; material for a fringe," from Old French frenge "thread, strand, fringe, hem, border" (early 14c.), from Vulgar Latin *frimbia, metathesis of Late Latin fimbria, from Latin fimbriae (plural) "fibers, threads, fringe," which is of uncertain origin. Meaning "a border, edge" is from 1640s.
Figurative sense of "outer edge, margin," is first recorded 1894. As an adjective by 1809.
More on Fringe…
1: an ornamental border consisting of short straight or twisted threads or strips hanging from cut or raveled edges or from a separate band
2: a lampshade with a fringe
a: something resembling a fringe : EDGE, PERIPHERY —often used in plural
operated on the fringes of the law
working for years on the fringes of the entertainment industry
b: chiefly British : BANG entry 4
wears her hair in a fringe
c: one of various light or dark bands produced by the interference or diffraction of light
d: an area bordering a putting green on a golf course with grass trimmed longer than on the green itself
3: a fringe sport
a: something that is marginal, additional, or secondary to some activity, process, or subject
b: a group with marginal or extremist views
Values & Purpose
We believe in radical inclusion. We believe in the power of nature and beauty and empathy and compassion. We believe in the healing properties of community and that the creation and experience of conceptual art is medicine.
Rural Fringe is a space for us to embody these beliefs. It is an exhibition and event venue; it is an incubator for experimental art of an infinite variety; it’s a living and working space and a gathering space for all who wish to explore their relationship to home, to culture, to community, and to creativity.