Napping Affects Performance

Peppered Reverend!

2011-12-01T20:05:00.001-08:00

Courtesy of Nick Cooper.

NAPTURE!

2011-10-23T16:20:00.001-07:00

Rev. Emily of the Southern Naptists being interviewed by sleep deprived, undead on October 22, "The Day After."

The rested Reverend spreading the word about The Seven Blankets.

The rested Reverend's always-ready halo-pillow.

Photos courtesy of Lenard Brown.
Special thanks to Lenard Brown and Bobby Younce.

OPERATION Nap Time, Houston Free Thinkers

2011-08-21T14:22:00.000-07:00

The Southern Naptists are joining the Houston Free Thinkers for OPERATION Nap Time, a response to the civil ordinance passed recently (http://bit.ly/r2U12y) which makes it illegal to hang out on sidewalks in the city between 11 am to 7 pm, and to raise awareness on a planned extension for the east side of town.

This will take place on Monday, August 22 from 11am to 7pm at Congress North of 59 outside downtown. PLEASE JOIN US!

To learn more, please visit: www.houstonfreetthinkers.com

We applaud this use of the power of the nap!

Tactics for Napping in Rebellion

2011-07-11T10:23:00.000-07:00

Sunday, July 10, 2011
1-3pm @ SkyDive ArtSpace
as part of a Many Mini Residency

“NAP Church: Exercises for Rebel Nappers”
Prepared by Emily Sloan

Above: prepared materials and extra pillows, ear plugs, and eye coverings.

REBELLIOUS USES OF NAPPING:

To protest. Napping as a protest delivers a message and is fast, easy, recordable, and free.

To avoid undesirable events. Napping can make travel seem faster, can delay meetings, can block entrances, can create confusion, can get you dismissed from jury duty, etc.

To avoid danger (rebellious if unsupported in work environment, etc.). Napping can prevent work-related injuries and accidents endangering the environment.

One of the beauties of napping is it is a benign. By its nature it is anti-spectacle, but in an unexpected setting or situation can become a mild spectacle. Also, though there is often a stigma of laziness or time-wasting associated with napping, but when a group comes together to nap, non-nappers can begin to feel uncomfortable or agitated.

Many situations will require adaptation. A comfortable environment for rest may not be available. Hard surfaces, loud sounds, and annoyed non-nappers are potential interferences. Eye coverings and earplugs (when appropriate to safety within the environment) can alleviate these problems.

References: Glitter Bombing, Buck Wild trial, How to Get Away with Sleeping at Work by Adam Dachis

NAP Clarifications

2011-07-07T12:38:00.000-07:00

Clarification #1:
Neither NAP Church nor the yearly Southern Naptist Convention are operating as church-related get-rich-quick money schemes. Napping is FREE!

Clarification #2:
Despite flattering accusations, Napping Affects Performance, NAP Church and the Southern Naptist Convention have NOT made any claims to being a response to the Apocalypse...

...until NOW: Go ahead, sleep through the Apocalypse if you are lucky!

Clarification #3:
We DO advocate napping! We encourage a health-related sustainability practice, not unlike recycling and reuse encourage environment-related sustainability practices.

YES! We advocate napping!

2011-07-07T12:37:00.001-07:00

"NAP Church: Exercises for Rebel Nappers"

2011-07-07T12:28:00.000-07:00

Sunday, July 10, 1-3pm, at SKYDIVE ArtSpace as part of a Many Miny Residency.

"NAP Church: Exercises for Rebel Nappers" by Rev. Emily Sloan
Napping Affects Performance’s NAP Church will meet for a Sunday nap on July 10 from 1-3pm. In addition to napping, we will be discussing rebellious napping strategies. This B.Y.O.P. (Bring Your Own Pillow...and blanket, yoga mat, whatever suits you) event of “two or more gathered” to nap is open to all faiths!

Location:
SKYDIVE
2041 Norfolk Street,
Houston, TX 77098
info@theskydive.org

About the Many Mini Residency:
Many Mini Residency is a short-term residency program operated in conjunction with alternative exhibition venues in Europe and the United States. The name 'Many Mini' encompasses two main components of the project which is hosted in one room 24 hours a day for one week. The 'Many' describes the open call for proposals and the resulting multiplicity of responses and participants. The 'Mini' component of the residency describes the limited amount of time available and the scale of the room.

About SKYDIVE:
SKYDIVE is an artist run exhibition venue unique to Houston. Its mission is to broaden the spectrum of the dialogue in Houston by bringing in artists from outside of Texas. The aim of SKYDIVE is to host a range of art practices that push the limits of their material forms, including non-traditional methods of sculpture, installation, video, performance, and works that engage the viewer through participation, as well as text and web-based projects.

SKYDIVE utilizes an open and collaborative model for producing its programming. A group of artists, curators, and other professionals function as Advisors to help create shows, invite artists, and collaborate in the mission and programming of the space. Participants in SKYDIVE will be invited to Houston for a sustained number of days, previous to the exhibition to make their work, interact with the Houston community and see the sites in Houston and surrounding areas.

About Napping Affects Performance:
Napping Affects Performance (NAP) and NAP Church are interactive performance projects by 14 Pews artist-in-residence Emily Sloan providing community naps in collaboration with various performances, including (but not limited to) collaborations with sound, word, touch, and the delivery of naps to various sites and/or contexts. In May and June of 2010, NAP operated out of Art League Houston with six weeks of continuous performances taking place during Art League’s regular hours of operation. Since then, followers and napophiles began meeting once a month for a Sunday naps and naptisms during NAP Church services.

NAP Church meets monthly for Sunday naps.

Southern Naptist Convention Public Service Announcement

2011-06-07T21:19:00.000-07:00

Nikki Araguz, Michael Galbreth, Mattress Mack, Stephanie Saint Sanchez and Cressandra Thibodeaux testify.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmEQQQ5GYoM

What is a Naptism?

2011-06-06T08:16:00.001-07:00

What is a naptism?
When someone believes in and is committed to a regular practice of napping, they are ready for naptism. Naptism involves an outward professing of this belief and then a ceremony of being laid to rest and doused with feathers. The believer then awakens to a new lease on life provided by regular restful, healing naps and the abolishment of any shame regarding napping.

Naptisms will be offered this Sunday, June 12 during the Southern Naptist Convention hosted by 14 Pews, 800 Aurora St., Houston, TX 77011.

THE NAPTURE!

2011-06-02T16:18:00.001-07:00

The Napture is based on the prediction that humans are increasingly becoming insomniacs. There is already evidence pointing to it being true as humans stay awake for 16-18 hour stretches on average while most animals engage in napping throughout the day (just think of how much our pets sleep!). The invention of the light bulb has affected this change as have societal pressures. People staying up through the nocturnal hours fuels insomnia and increases the usage of environmental resources while daytime sleeping is demonized as laziness. Technology is also keeping people "wired" for longer hours.

Naptists believe we need sleep for survival. If not practiced, it is predicted that on the set date of October 21, 2011 non-nappers will be left awake in an insomniac hell.

Southern Naptist Convention, Where Two or More Gather to Nap!

2011-06-01T07:57:00.000-07:00

The Southern Naptist Convention is congregating Sunday, June 12 at 1pm at 14 Pews. Please join us for napping, naptisms, and preparing for the uphttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifcoming NAPTURE!

This is a very busy weekend as the Southern Baptist Convention is also taking place!

The Southern Naptist Convention is open to all faiths!

For more information, please contact Emily Sloan at 713-582-1198 or emily@emilysloan.com or visit: www.nappingaffectsperformance.blogspot.com

About Napping Affects Performance: Napping Affects Performance (NAP) and NAP Church are interactive performance projects by 14 Pews artist-in-residence Emily Sloan providing community naps in collaboration with various performances, including (but not limited to) collaborations with sound, word, touch, and the delivery of naps to various sites and/or contexts. In May and June of 2010, NAP operated out of Art League Houston with six weeks of continuous performances taking place during Art League’s regular hours of operation. Since then, followers and napophiles began meeting once a month for a Sunday naps and naptisms during NAP Church services.

Napping Affects Performance, Universal NAP Church, and the Southern Naptist Convention are organizing the "NAPTURE: Don't be Left Awake!" event to be held in Houston, October 21, 2011 at 14 Pews. For more information, please visit: www.nappingaffectsperformance.blogspot.com

About 14 Pews: Located at 800 Aurora St., Houston, Texas 77009, this Houston landmark is the oldest white wooden church in the Heights. Built in 1924, it has housed the Sunset Heights Church of Christ, Aurora Picture Show, and is now home to 14 Pews. 14 Pews is a non-profit microcinema providing regular screenings of independent documentaries and feature films, along with 4 annual film festivals and several affordable film/video educational classes. For more information, please visit: www.14pews.org

Southern Naptist Convention, Call for Proposals from Committed Naptist Brothers and Sisters

2011-05-14T08:39:00.000-07:00

The Southern Naptist Convention is seeking proposals, papers and artworks related to napping and conducive to sleep. The 2011 Convention will take place beginning at 1pm on Sunday, June 12 at 14 Pews, 800 Aurora St., Houston, TX 77009. If this call appeals to your heart of hearts, please submit a proposal to Rev. Emily for consideration. Proposals and questions received at emily(at)emilysloan(dot)com or 713-582-1198. The deadline for proposals is May 31, 2010. This call is open to all faiths.

(Pictured above: Ruby "Lips" Woodward, Napping Affects Performance, 2010)

About Napping Affects Performance: Napping Affects Performance (NAP) and NAP Church are performance and participation projects by Emily Sloan providing community naps in collaboration with various performances, including (but not limited to) collaborations with sound, word, touch, and the delivery of naps to various sites and/or contexts. In May and June of 2010, NAP operated out of Art League Houston with six weeks of continuous performances taking place during Art League’s regular hours of operation. Since then, followers and napophiles began meeting once a monthhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif for a Sunday naps and naptisms during NAP Church services. NAP and NAP Church are organizing the Southern Naptist Convention to be held in Houston, June 12, 2011 at 14 Pews. For more information, please visit: www.nappingaffectsperformance.blogspot.com

About 14 Pews: Located at 800 Aurora St., Houston, Texas 77009, this Houston landmark is the oldest white wooden church in the Heights. Built in 1924, it has housed the Sunset Heights Church of Christ, Aurora Picture Show, and is now home to 14 Pews. 14 Pews is a non-profit microcinema providing regular screenings of independent documentaries and feature films, along with 4 annual film festivals and several affordable film/video educational classes. For more information, please visit: www.14pews.org

Daylight Saving Time Travel

2011-05-13T12:53:00.000-07:00

NAP Church: Daylight Saving Time Travel

2011-03-08T06:07:00.000-08:00

Houston, TX - Art League Houston is excited to announce NAP Church: Daylight Saving Time Travel, a collaborative art performance between Emily Sloan’s Napping Affects Performance and Patrick Turk’s Time Travel Research Institute Presents: in recognition of Daylight Saving Time, which begins March 13 at 2:00 a.m. The performance will take place in the main gallery on Sunday, March 13, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eye coverings, ear plugs, and a limited number of cots will be provided. Yoga mats and sleeping bags are also welcome. This event is free and open to the public and all faiths.

The Time Travel Research Institute Presents: and (NAP) have come together to create NAP Church: Daylight Saving Time Travel, an environment for visitors of the gallery to come and catch up on their lost hour of sleep. “The first day of Daylight Saving Time is the perfect time to take a nap at The Time Travel Research Institute,” said Emily Sloan, napping minister and naptician from Napping Affects Performance. “Patrick Turk’s light installation offers an organic and spiritual environment that is ideal for adjusting one’s physiological time clock.”

About Napping Affects Performance
Napping Affects Performance (NAP) is a performance and participation project by Emily Sloan providing community naps in collaboration with various performances, including (but not limited to) collaborations with sound, word, touch, and the delivery of naps to various sites and/or contexts.
In May and June of 2010, NAP operated out of Art League Houston with six weeks of continuous performances taking place during Art League’s regular hours of operation. NAP and NAP Church are organizing a Southern Naptist Convention to be held in Houston, June 12, 2011.

For more information or to book a naptism or mobile nap, please call 713-582-1198 or email: nappingaffectsperformance@gmail.com or visit: www.nappingaffectsperformance.blogspot.com

About The Time Travel Research Institute Presents:
Prepare to enter the surreal and extraordinary research laboratory of artist and quasi-scientist Patrick Turk, whose recent studies in quantum mechanics and atomic sciences have generated an interactive light installation that playfully explores the phenomenon of time travel through a series of sculptural works that combine three-dimensional collage with electronic mechanisms, LED technology and futuristic design.

About Patrick Turk
Patrick Turk is a self-trained Houston-based artist from Galveston, Texas. His works have been exhibited throughout Houston in galleries including Art Storm, Lawndale Art Center and Rudolph/Projects/Art Scan, as well as galleries in Galveston, Texas and Los Angeles, California. His works have been published several times in Mung Being Magazine and include high profile commissions for the 2009 Houston Art Car Parade Poster, as well as the Philokalia album cover by Golden Cities.

ABOUT ART LEAGUE HOUSTON
Art League Houston is one of Houston's longest operating non-profit visual arts organizations and was the first alternative art space in Texas. Founded in 1948 and incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1953, Art League Houston (ALH) was created to promote the public appreciation of and interest in the visual arts. During the past 62 years, ALH has provided over 785 exhibitions to the Houston community, showcased the work of nearly 12,000 artists, and instructed over 36,000 students through the Art League School and outreach programs.

Free Sunday Naps at Little Woodrows, Sponsored by NAP Church!

2011-03-08T06:06:00.000-08:00

Photos coming...

NAP Church at Little Woodrow's, Sunday, January 23, 2011

2011-01-17T21:08:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release-- HOUSTON (January 19, 2011)—NAP Church, arranged by Napping Affects Performance and Emily Sloan to take place at Little Woodrow’s, 4235 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77025, on Sunday, January 23, 2011 from 1pm to 4pm. This event is in conjunction with artist June Woest’s RoadsignUSA project including a nearby billboard designed by artist Mari Omori inspired by “Napping Affects Performance.” The sign was unveiled on August 26, 2010 and will be removed shortly after Sunday’s service.

A prayer meditation tailored to each participant will be available for individuals throughout the period. "Drop-ins" are welcome anytime between 1 and 4pm. Eye coverings, ear plugs, and a limited number of cots will be provided. Yoga mats and sleeping bags are also welcome. This event is free and open to the public and all faiths.

“I am looking forward to sharing a time of uplifting napping at Little Woodrow’s Ice House, especially as it is playoff season” said Emily Sloan, napping minister and naptician from Napping Affects Performance. “This is the perfect time to put aside the burdens we daily carry around and just rest. It is also a great opportunity to share with people about the upcoming Southern Naptist Convention to be held in Houston on Sunday, March 13, 2011."

About Napping Affects Performance: Napping Affects Performance (NAP) is a performance and participation project providing community naps in collaboration with various performances, including (but not limited to) collaborations with sound, word, touch, and the delivery of naps to various sites and/or contexts. In May and June of 2010, Napping Affects Performance operated out of Art League Houston with 6 weeks of continuous performances taking place during Art League’s regular hours of operation. Collaborators with the project include: Mari Omori, Kisa Parker, Beth Secor, Julia Claire Wallace, June Woest, Ruby “Lips” Woodward, Art League Houston, El Rincon Social, the Heart of Texas in Nacogdoches, Lawndale Art Center during The BIG Show, Little Woodrow’s, NOTSUOH, and St. Rose College in Albany, New York.

For more information or to book a naptism or mobile nap, please call 713-582-1198 or email: nappingaffectsperformance@gmail.com or visit: www.nappingaffectsperformance.blogspot.com

For more information about RoadsignUSA, please visit: www.junewoest.com

About Little Woodrow’s: The original Little Woodrow's “by the railroad tracks.” The first location is a little smaller and also a little quieter than the others. Inside you’ll find a big long bar full of regulars enjoying the company of one of our long time bartenders. This place has pool tables, dart boards, trivia, Golden Tee Live, and an on-call naptician! For more information, visit: www.littlewoodrows.com

Nap at 14 Pews

2011-01-17T21:07:00.000-08:00

NAP Church

2011-01-10T17:44:00.000-08:00

A church has sprung from Napping Affects Performance! We will have monthly community nap meetings open to all faiths. Dates posted soon...or follow us at www.nappingaffectsperformance.blogspot.com

Funeral Party for the Living to take place January 1, 2011 at 5pm

2010-12-23T06:25:00.000-08:00

You could nap here!

"Funeral Party for the Living" will take place on New Year's Day at 5pm at 14 Pews. The event will include visitation and drinking, eulogy writing assistance, a funeral service open to the public to speak, sing, etc., a funeral sound procession created by the audience along with whatever instruments/sound makers they'd like to bring, a funeral pyre for burning symbolic items contributed by the public, and a funeral food pot luck and recipe swap, so bring a dish!

Funeral attire is encouraged.

This event is free and open to the public. Observers are welcome.

Contact info.: emily@emilysloan.com, 713-582-1198

For more info. visit: www.thelivingwake.blogspot.com

Please feel free to re-post and share this event!

Organizer/host: Internationally unknown artist, Emily Sloan was born on April 1, 1983 outside of Beulah, Texas to John Bartholomew Sloan and Sue Nan Hoya Sloan. She presently survives and practices art inspired by healing and mourning rituals, longings, and social contexts. Outcomes include object making, performance, social involvement and spaces, and curating for unique venues including a contemporary art salon, The Kenmore: an exhibition object, and a secret gallery hidden behind a bookcase. In 2010, Sloan has had a solo show at Redbud Gallery in Houston, Texas; Napping Affects Performance (NAP), a participation and performance project at Art League Houston which is ongoing in Houston, east Texas, and upstate New York; Wash, a public, all day performance hosted by Gallery 1724 (Houston); organized a Salon des Refusés; and founded the Universal Nap Church.

About 14 Pews: Located at 800 Aurora St., Houston, Texas 77009, this Houston landmark is the oldest white wooden church in the Heights. Built in 1924, it has housed the Sunset Heights Church of Christ, Aurora Picture Show, and is now home to 14 Pews. 14 Pews is a non-profit microcinema providing regular screenings of independent documentaries and feature films, along with 4 annual film festivals and several affordable film/video educational classes. For more information, please visit: www.14pews.org

Universal Nap Church

2010-12-14T12:14:00.001-08:00

Breaking News: Napping Affects Performance has grown into a church! Beginning in January 2011, the Universal Nap Church will be having monthly nap gatherings.

Universal Nap Church is open to all faiths.

More to come!

Rebirth Ritual

2010-12-14T12:01:00.000-08:00

"Rebirth" is a ritual event that took place at El Rincon Social on Sunday, November 14. A truck bed filled with blessed fluid was utilized for participants to be buried/submerged in and then reborn as part of a ritual of beginning anew.

The rebirthing process...

Photos courtesy of Michael Brims and Emily Sloan.

Napping at St. Rose in Albany, New York

2010-12-03T05:18:00.000-08:00

Joan Horgan, sister of Mary Horgan a recipient of a Mobile Nap Delivery, has organized a community nap inspired by Napping Affects Performance at College of St. Rose in Albany, New York. The event took place on Thursday, November 18, 2010.

According to Joan, "It is amusing that when I mention the idea to adults on campus they look at me a little funny but the students jump all over it with excitement saying how much they can’t wait."

Joan will be sending pictures to post!

Spain Holds First-Ever Siesta Contest!

2010-10-16T17:49:00.001-07:00

Check out Spain's Siesta Contest! It aspires to reignite the importance of napping. We feel their sleepiness:

Protest at the Nap-Site

Nap-Site Lock-in

Nap-site Editorial in the Houston Chronicle

Also, if you still haven't signed the PETITION FOR A TAX BREAK FOR NAPPERS there's still time. Email: emily@emilysloan.com

NAP event at College of St Rose in Albany, NY

2010-10-16T17:25:00.000-07:00

Pics. coming!

Wash Day

2010-09-13T11:46:00.000-07:00

Wash is a performance about cleansing, ritual and intimacy. A full day at Gallery 1724 in Houston, Texas was devoted to the washing of hair including anointing with oils. There were twenty participants and numerous observers. It was a nicely paced day of washing and talking. During Wash, conversations included memories of September 11, 2001, memories of having their hair washed by their mothers, and the love and pampering of having their hair washed by someone else. We also discussed comparisons to foot washing and baptism, vulnerability, and the intimacy of touch, particularly to the head.

The performance was documented through photographs and sound.

Above photo courtesy of Dean Liscum and Sophie Simons.

Photos courtesy of: Heather Korb, Dean Liscum, Merilee Minshew, Sophie Simons, and Emily Sloan.

Floor before, with foils...
Floor after, foils with imprint from traffic...

Emily Sloan: Wash, one day only performance

2010-09-10T20:55:00.000-07:00

Wash is a one day performance of the washing of hair. Wash will be performed by Emily Sloan and the participating audience. Recent performance work by Sloan includes Napping Affects Performance, an ongoing project including performances inspired by/while napping which launched at Art League Houston this past May 2010. Sloan also organized this summer's "Salon des Refusés", an exhibition of artworks rejected from Lawndale Art Center's "The BIG Show."

Wash will take place on Saturday, September 11, 2010 from 9am to 5pm at Gallery 1724, 1724 Bissonnet St. (between Dunlay and Woodhead), Houston, Texas, 77005.

“It is the ritual situation which makes the hair “powerful”, not the hair which makes the ritual powerful.” --E. R. Leach

This event is free and open to the public.

Napping Affects Performance at Little Woodrow's

2010-09-04T09:12:00.000-07:00

Mari Omori and June Woest created a "Napping Affects Performance" sign on the 4200 block of Bellaire Boulevard in Houston, Texas.

Friday, August 27, from 5pm to 8pm, Napping Affects Performance administered naps next door at Little Woodrow's (4235 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, Texas 77025) from 5-8pm. There were many inquiries about the project and the time slots filled with five nappers napping from 15 minutes to an hour.

Napping Affects Performance and RoadSignUSA: napping at Little Woodrow's bar

2010-08-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

Mari Omori's and June Woest's "Napping Affects Performance" sign went up yesterday on the 4200 block of Bellaire Boulevard in Houston, Texas.

Friday, August 27 (tonight!) from 5pm to 8pm, a naptician from Napping Affects Performance will be providing naps next door to the sign at:

Little Woodrow's
4235 Bellaire Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77025
713-661-5282

Please join us!

RoadsignUSA: napping affects performance

2010-08-19T14:35:00.002-07:00

Above image: Self-portrait by Mari Omori

Artists Mari Omori and June Woest have a project called RoadsignUSA which will be recognizing the Napping Affects Performance project through a billboard to be unveiled next Thursday, August 26. The location of the billboard is: 4200 block of Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77401. On Friday, August 27 from 5-8pm, Napping Affects Performance will be nearby at Little Woodrows with a mobile nap station set up for napping. Come join us!

From June Woest's blog:

Mexican farmers take siestas after lunch. In China, males are seen on their factory breaks napping in public on rigid vehicle barricades. Since Japan has embraced corporate naps for public health, maybe it is not counter intuitive to think American women and men can learn to relax during the day and still compete in the labor market of global competition.

RoadsignUSA #4 recognizes Emily Sloan's performance art and participation project titled, (NAP) Napping Affects Performance. It makes the conflict between sleep and stress more public, and more fun. The image for this roadsign was drawn by artist, Mari Omori, was inspired by Emily's project (NAP). Mari's reclining figure mimics her actual experience with (NAP) at one of Emily's Power Nap Stations around the city.

Emily, a social worker at one time, will deliver Mobile Naps to your workplace- and as part of the (NAP) experience, bring a cot, clean linens, pillow, face mask and ear plugs.

Call 713-582-1198 or eMAIL emily@emilysloan.com

http://www.nappingaffectsperformance.blogspot.com

CLEANSE

2010-08-19T14:35:00.001-07:00

CLEANSE took place at The Foundry on Saturday, July 31, 2010. While participants lay on their backs they were wiped clean three times with a cloth soaked in cool water. They were then wiped down with tea tree oil to cleanse and offer a tingling sensation. This was especially refreshing due to the heat and humidity of the August evening. Afterwards, they were allowed to rest until they were ready to "rejoin" the world. Eucalyptus oil burned throughout the process.

This process is symbolic of how bodies are customarily wiped clean after death. As the participants were not dead, they had the gift of returning the the "rest" of their lives.

Losing sleep: Let's open our eyes to the facts and make proper rest more than a museum piece

2010-07-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

Losing sleep: Let's open our eyes to the facts and make proper rest more than a museum piece
Copyright 2010 Houston Chronicle
July 16, 2010, 8:29PM

For just six weeks this summer, a dim, hushed room at Art League Houston displayed a relic from the past: people taking naps. Called N.A.P. — short for Napping Affects Performance - and designed by artist Emily Sloan, the space offered soothing gray walls, soft white noise, and cots outfitted with immaculate sheets and fresh pillows. Visitors were welcome to lie down for a nap - and for much of June, many did.

Sloan's room was an art piece, but its celebration of daily downtime without shame, multitasking, or furtive checking of e-mail is backed up by science.

Adequate sleep is endangered in the United States, a deficit strongly linked to the chronic health problems draining us economically and politically. Too little rest, for example, has been shown to throw off hormone output that regulates satiety after eating and the ability to process sugar. Dozens of other studies link inadequate sleep to obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

And it's not just medical students and pilots who are tired. Americans overall get an overage of only 6.9 hours' sleep a night - an hour less than we slept in 1960 and 15 to 25 minutes less than we did in 2001, sleep physician Lawrence Epstein wrote in Newsweek. These seemingly small quantities of rest can have a stunning effect on functioning. Just 20 to 30 minutes of napping can measurably improve mood and performance, the National Sleep Foundation reports. And in one NASA study of sleep-deprived pilots and astronauts, a 40-minute nap boosted performance more than 30 percent - and alertness by 100 percent.
Sleeplessness may have the most pronounced effect, though, on children. All of the 31 major studies of children's sleep and weight gain showed strong correlations between too little sleep in childhood and obesity either in childhood or years later. Meanwhile, families that police their children's sleep habits with an old-fashioned rule about bedtime also achieve the 21st-century holy grail: higher test scores, according to the nonprofit SRI International research center.

While afternoon naps may have served an evolutionary purpose, the rhythms of U.S. culture pretty much make them impossible. Nonstop accessibility by phone and computer, plus social pressure to work relentlessly, undermine many a decent night's sleep at home. Siestas seem unthinkable. Yet it's become clear that proper sleep is one of the cheapest, most potent tools we have to help rein in our national health care bills.

It would take a concerted effort to re-cast the workday nap as a respectable - even responsible - activity. But it was also tough to get Americans to quit smoking. Reviving the nap, in fact, might be surprisingly popular. The cozy Art League complex isn't usually the site of protests, but as Sloan's show neared its closing date, scrawled placards appeared on the tree and walls outside: SAVE THE NAP ROOM. It could have been the work of angry art lovers. But maybe it was the whisper of a silent majority, yearning for the focus and peace that comes from 20 minutes of socially approved shut-eye.

For more info: http://nappingaffects performance.blogspot.com/

Claudia Kolker

Sweet Dreams: Emily Sloan NAP (Napping Affects Performance) by Nancy Wozny

2010-07-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

Click here or read below: Sweet Dreams: Emily Sloan
NAP (Napping Affects Performance)
by Nancy Wozny in VISUALSEEN

It all started with an invitation—for a nap. Emily Sloan invited me to snooze as part of NAP (Napping Affects Performance), a performative installation at Art League Houston. How could one resist an invitation to nap?

I have always had mixed emotions about napping. As I move deeper into my 50s, I worry about becoming one of those people who nap on and off all day. Yet, I remember the heavenly state of my children, who napped during their early years as all children do. Once, my sister asked why my baby son slept so much of the day when he didn't actually do anything.

Do we need to shut down as well? How can that be an artful experience?

Sloan addresses these questions with humor, rigorous investigation of collective aesthetic activities, and her own whimsical ethos, which permeates every aspect of the project.

When I finally arrived for my scheduled nap, I was immediately struck by the sense of calm in the Art League building. Something was different. Wandering through the halls, I came upon a door with a sign that read, “Shhh, we are napping, come in.” I was drawn
to the ambiguity in the statement. We are asleep but we want you to come join us. Felt just odd enough.

The room projects peace and serenity. Blue-gray walls yield an uncanny warmth. The color extends only three-quarters to the ceiling, sending a grounded feeling. A white table, with delicate lamps on either side, recalls my teenage bedroom. Cots gracefully set around the room have a tiny hint at a clinical environment, as does Sloan, who appears in full naptition garb. Sloan was on duty the entire run of the show. “It was extremely fulfilling to be a part of the project every day,” she says. “I felt relationships grow, saw people awed by its simplicity and beauty, and enjoyed the many, often repeat visits.” The quasi-medical perfume is part of the fantasy. I am thinking of public napping stations in some future world, where people would be encouraged to take a break from anything they are doing to refresh, and simply let the world slip away for a cat nap during the course of their hectic day.

Now is a good time to remember that about half of the world engages in some form of mid-afternoon siesta, if not sleep, it's a rest and a welcome break. Currently, the siesta is under siege as the manic pace of the Western world slowly creeps southward.

A few young men are wrapping up their naps. They sit quietly on their cots speaking softly. Sloan leads me to my cot, bringing fresh linens. The temperature in the room is perfect. Before I drift into blessed snoozeville, we share a few words on our sleep thoughts. She speaks in a hushed tone, even though the young male nappers have since left the room. Although our chat qualifies as an interview, I am aware she is preparing me for the nap.

She's quite knowledgeable about sleep science. Yes, it's a science—and a mystery—hence a suitable territory for art. Every night we willingly become temporarily paralyzed for 4-8 hours. Currently, approximately 50 % of the population people suffer from insomnia at some point in their lives. Just about every one of the body's processes is affected by lack of sleep. Scientists still do not know why humans sleep, but they know for certain that without out, it we lose function rapidly.

Eventually, we wind up our chat and I am ready to take my nap. I had been thinking about it all day, and it was time for me to claim my nap prize. Sloan returned to her post at the front of the room where she stands guard, reading or crocheting.

I slept. I dreamed. I became an art object, a sleeping one. I woke up-refreshed, full of calm energy and focus, as if my battery got an upgrade. That's the power of the nap.

Sloan experimented with the NAP, concept prior to the Art League show. “I had performed performance/participation art pieces around the idea of a community naps. For example, a story and nap arranged in a bar, a cuddle puddle/bedtime story as at a performance intermission to rejuvenate an audience for the remainder of the evening.”

Over the course of NAP Sloan has held several community naps, many have been sold out. Although I was not able to partake in a community nap, the idea seems like a sound one. Imagine your boss or your mother suggesting everyone take a group snooze. Productivity would go up and children would fight less and do better in school. Beth Secor read bedtime stories, and Ruby "Lips" Woodward whistled lullabies. Like a good clinician, Sloan kept meticulous notes on her blog, where she charting her experience and those of the participants. “I learned how willing/eager people were to connect with such a project. I think it had to do with the atmosphere--it almost became a sacred place to visit, whisper, be calm,” says Sloan. “Also the need for rest, reminiscing about grade school community naps--the project and space itself almost became a security blanket.'

Sloan also delivered naps if you were deemed lucky enough to be selected for a visit from the mobile nap unit. “The Mobile Naps grew out of the NAP project, and they will remain ongoing. The idea of an unforeseen context, and having participants pick a context, is something I am very interested in,” she says. “ Also, it is fun to bring the magic and permission to nap to them.”

Sloan has always been interested in the intersection between public art, public service and social spaces. She's drawn more to the slippery roles between art maker, curator, orchestrator and performer. NAP effortlessly flows between these roles. “In addition to art, my background is in Social Work,” she says. “On several occasions, I was asked if I was a social scientist, so the project really seemed to integrate the two well.”

Ending NAP came down hard on the community. Protests ensued. As with a nap itself, the show needed to end. A consultant was on hand to help those cope with the grief. She held a NAP station during Lawndale's The Big Show.

Sloan's project has re-framed the nap for me. It's not the same as going to bed at night. I take more naps now, in service to my writing and the art that I am writing about. It's a respite from the day, a pause, a welcome interruption of constant activity. It's decadent, luxurious, restorative and creative, all the things art should and can be. “From the beginning, the amount of people coming to nap exceeded my expectations. I continued to be amazed throughout the project by the returning nappers and new nappers,” muses Sloan. “This both distilled the project and was a pleasant surprise. The NAP project was magical for so many including myself.”

Power Nap Station at Lawndale Art Center

2010-07-08T21:16:00.000-07:00

There is a lot to see at Lawndale Art Center's The BIG Show 2010! Take advantage of "The BIG Show Power Nap Station" to rest, rejuvenate, and replenish your energy as you take it all in!

Mobile Naps are ongoing...just call for an appointment!

2010-06-27T10:48:00.001-07:00

The doors to the Nap-Site at Art League Houston have closed, but the Mobile Naps will continue. You can schedule a Mobile Nap or find out more about them by calling 713-582-1198.

Many thanks to Art League Houston for hosting the project!

Last day at Art League Houston and 48 hour Lock-in

2010-06-27T10:40:00.001-07:00

Sign next door at Inversion Coffee House.

View from the (NAP) CAM. (above)

The next morning...

The last night...(below)

Houston, let's take a nap together.

2010-06-27T09:32:00.000-07:00

Kolbe, who has become a regular napper at Napping Affects Performance, has shared her own blog entry about NAP and Julia Claire Wallace's Sunday afternoon Community Nap and performance.

"Houston, let's take a nap together."
by Kolbe Ricks on May 25, 2010

A dimly lit room, cots with blankets and pillows chosen to fit how you sleep, white noise lulling you to sleep, a naptician to gently wake you when your nap is over. This can all be found at the Napping Affects Performance or NAP exhibit at Art League Houston on Montrose.

Emily Sloan’s NAP exhibit is an intricate weave of performance art, art installation, and comfort. The interactive art endeavor opened on May 14 and runs through June 25.

I went for the first time on Friday with my friend Haley. We weren’t quite sure what to expect. Were we going to look at something, actually take a nap, see any traditional art? When we first arrived we were definitely a little nervous and unsure of what we were doing. Haley, being an artist herself, took the lead when we got to the actual NAP room. We were greeted by Emily Sloan, the creator and the naptician. She asked us to sign in and write down the time that we would like to be awoken from our nap (you can also choose to nap as long as you like and not be woken up by a certain time). We opted for a 20 minute snooze, ourselves.

Sloan gave us the correct type of pillow for our sleeping style, which was on our side. I later realized that I’m actually a stomach sleeper. Haley and I were pretty caffeinated and I didn’t actually fall into a deep sleep, but it was very relaxing and the cot was surprisingly comfortable.

Sloan then told us that there was going to be a performance on Sunday afternoon accompanied by a community nap and there was no way that we were going to miss out on that!

So Sunday rolled around and it was time to head back to the Art League Houston and commence naptime! Julia Claire Wallace was the performing artist. She played two lullabies that she had written and went around the room and rubbed everyone’s back as they drifted off to sleep. We had signed in for a 30 minute nap this time, but for some reason we didn’t wake up until over an hour after we had planned! This time though, we actually fell asleep. I’m not sure about Haley, but my nap was awesome. Also, this time all of the cots were filled with nappers and someone had to put a sleeping bag on the floor for their nap!

I really like this exhibit, my brother and I are going to go sometime soon and hopefully when my friends from Dallas come down to visit they’ll be up for a nap. If you are looking for something free and awesome to do in Houston, you should definitely check out Art League Houston and the NAP exhibit. It’s next door to a really delicious coffee shop so you can caffeine up after your nap too.

Visit Kolbe's blog.

Cholla's Protest: The Nap-Site Stays!

2010-06-24T16:03:00.000-07:00

Cholla, an artist who has taught at Art League Houston for over forty years, leads a group protesting to keep the Nap-Site at Art League Houston. Earlier during the run of the exhibition, Cholla started a petition to keep the nap room. It is not too late to sign it!

Cholla (above).

Tomorrow is the last day of the Nap-Site at Art League Houston. A trained Social Worker will be on hand for consultations.

The Naptician is Present...

2010-06-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

This is the start of the last week the Nap Site will be at Art League Houston. Come by for a nap, to sign our petition for a Tax Break for Nappers, to learn more about Mobile Naps, or just to visit with the Naptician. The sign-up sheet for the Nap-Site Lock-in to take place this Friday, June 25 is full.

The Naptician is present Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Ruby "Lips" Woodward: Whistling Lullabies

2010-06-19T16:19:00.001-07:00

On June 19, Ruby "Lips" Woodward traveled from Nacogdoches, the oldest town in Texas, to whistle lullabies for us at NAP!

Lips made the trip!

Lips-case. (above)

Grande Finale!

Community Nap Event: Ruby "Lips" Woodward, Saturday, 1:30pm this Saturday!

2010-06-17T14:15:00.000-07:00

Community Nap Event: Ruby "Lips" Woodward, lullaby whistling, a collaboration with (NAP) Napping Affects Performance

Lips of "Fingers and Lips" will be coming from Nacogdoches, the oldest town in Texas, to perform for us at Art League Houston!

Saturday, June 19 at 1:30pm (at Art League Houston)
Follow the project: http://nappingaffectsperformance.blogspot.com/

Although some cots and a rug are provided, for community naps the bringing of additional blankets, pillows or mats is recommended.

About (NAP): (NAP) is a performance and participation project designed and organized by Emily Sloan providing community naps in collaboration with various performance projects, performances involving the delivery of naps to various sites/contexts around Houston, and an ongoing free nap site at Art League Houston. The free nap site can be utilized anytime during Art League Houston hours, Mondays through Fridays 9am-5pm and Saturdays from 11am-5pm. Stop in anytime, or reserve a spot by calling: 713-582-1198.

Mobile Nap: Click Photography

2010-06-16T15:13:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, June 16, an afternoon Mobile Nap was delivered to Mary at Click Photography. Mary was so refreshed she vowed to get a cot of her own for napping at the studio!

Mobile NAP: ArCH with Mat and Mandy

2010-06-10T15:24:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 10, a morning-time Mobile Nap was delivered to Mat at Architecture Center Houston. Mat shared his nap with Mandy, also of Architecture Center Houston.

Naptician reading "Not Tired" to Mat and Mandy from Else Holmelund Minarik's "Little Bear's Visit." (Mary Ellen Carroll's "Policy" is in the background.)

Two above photos: Mat and Mandy sign the NAP guest book.

a note left, some photos taken...

2010-06-09T14:19:00.001-07:00

Beth Secor: The Maraschino Incident

2010-06-07T16:25:00.000-07:00

On June 5, Beth Secor read a short story of hers called "The Maraschino Incident."

Above: Naptician assisting nappers.

Above: Beth reading to nappers.

The "after nap."

Community NAP Event: Beth Secor, 1:30pm this Saturday

2010-06-03T15:10:00.000-07:00

Community Nap Event: Beth Secor, storytime collaboration with (NAP) Napping Affects Performance

Saturday, June 5 at 1:30pm (at Art League Houston)
Follow the project: http://nappingaffectsperformance.blogspot.com/

About Beth:
Beth Secor is a Houston-based artist, writer, and curator currently represented by INMAN Gallery. She has a master's degree in fine art from the University of Houston and is currently an adjunct professor at University of Houston Downtown and Houston Community College Central. Additionally, she curates exhibitions for the "Celebrating Diversity through Art" series, a partnership with JPMorgan Chase and Art League Houston. Her blog "Every Friggin' Gallery in the Whole Damn Town" can be read at glasstire.com. In 2008, her embroidered portraits were included in the exhibition Landfall at the Museum of London, England. Her work can be seen at www.inmangallery.com.

Although some cots and a rug are provided, for community naps the bringing of additional blankets, pillows or mats is recommended.

Upcoming performance:
Saturday, June 19---Ruby "Lips" Woodward, whistling lullabies, 1:30pm

About (NAP): (NAP) is a performance and participation project designed and organized by Emily Sloan providing community naps in collaboration with various performance projects, performances involving the delivery of naps to various sites/contexts around Houston, and an ongoing free nap site at Art League Houston. The free nap site can be utilized anytime during Art League Houston hours, Mondays through Fridays 9am-5pm and Saturdays from 11am-5pm. Stop in anytime, or reserve a spot by calling: 713-582-1198.

Mobile NAP: Researcher Bruce's Office

2010-06-02T17:48:00.001-07:00

Bruce was ready with his "Do Not Disturb" sign...

Naptician reading naptime story.

Bruce was longer than the cot!

Collective nap.

Bruce signing the (NAP) guest log.

Photos courtesy of Aisen Chacin and Emily Sloan.

Strategic Location...

2010-06-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

The (NAP) project's nap site can be found, conveniently, next door to Inversion Coffee House.

Barista and nap lover.

Mobile NAP: The Heart of Texas

2010-06-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 29, a mobile nap was delivered to The Heart of Texas Gift Gallery.

Someone checking their gun at the napping station...

Napper with a gun under her pillow...

Even the Naptician took a nap! (below)

Make yourself comfortable...

2010-05-28T17:09:00.001-07:00

These two repeat nappers at the Art League Houston's nap site wore matching pajamas and brought a book to share.

This napper brought her dog along with his own favorite pillow.

Ted and Ann...

(NAP) CAM

2010-05-25T16:34:00.000-07:00

view from the (NAP) cam at Art League Houston.

Julia Claire Wallace: Good Night Nick Teel and Back Patting

2010-05-24T16:05:00.001-07:00

On Sunday, May 23, Houston performance artist Julia Claire Wallace shared two songs she wrote for the NAP project. The first one was called "Good Night, Nick Teel" and was inspired by a story from Nick of how his mother would lull him to sleep. The second lullaby was written to herself, and included all the things that she wanted to hear to help her fall asleep. It was created especially for the show.

Community Nap Event: Julia Claire Wallace, Sunday, May 23, 2pm at Art League Houston

2010-05-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

Community Nap Event: Julia Claire Wallace, collaboration with (NAP) Napping Affects Performance

Sunday, May 23 at 2pm (at Art League Houston)

Julia Claire Wallace is a Houston artist that works in a variety of media, such as performance, video, social practice, spoken word and writing. She received her BFA in painting from the University of Houston in 2009. She has served as a facilitator to Performance Art Lab, one of Houston’s most mischievous art collectives, and was a founding member of their project sexyATTACK. She is the creator and curator of Houston’s notorious semi monthly event, Performance Art Night. Her art often explores spirituality, sexuality, desire and the awkward spaces between human beings.

Julia is creating a performance artwork especially in conjunction with the (NAP) project...She doesn't want to say much more than that!

Although some cots and a rug are provided, for community naps the bringing of additional blankets or mats is recommended.

Additional upcoming performances:
Saturday, June 5---Beth Secor, story time, 1:30pm
Saturday, June 19---Ruby "Lips" Woodward, whistling lullabies, 1:30pm

About (NAP): (NAP) is a performance and participation project designed and organized by Emily Sloan providing community naps in collaboration with various performance projects, performances involving the delivery of naps to various sites/contexts around Houston, and an ongoing free nap site at Art League Houston. The free nap site can be utilized anytime during Art League Houston hours, Mondays through Fridays 9am-5pm and Saturdays from 11am-5pm. Stop in anytime, or reserve a spot by calling: 713-582-1198.

Our opening nap...

2010-05-15T13:42:00.000-07:00

Last night was our opening nap at Art League Houston. Our napping was accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of a heavy rainstorm. Nappers ready to participate arrived as early as 6pm with nappers joining in throughout the night and napping from 5 minutes to an hour and a half.

We had a door prize for a mobile nap delivery to a workplace, and we began a petition for a tax break for nappers!

Thanks everyone!

Bright light!

Above: Pillow case examiner.

Kisa Parker!

Above is a dream-inspired brooch made at the opening. With funds from Target, a classroom was stocked with supplies for children and adults to created their own "dreamy" brooches during the (NAP) opening.

NAP Performance Schedule!

2010-05-07T17:08:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of the NAP-related happenings for that special naptime experience...

NAP Performance Schedule at Art League Houston

Friday, May 14---*Opening reception*, Kisa Parker from the University of Houston's Moore School of Music will perform Brahms' Lullaby (Opening is 6-9pm, performance is at 7pm)

Sunday, May 23---Julia Claire Wallace will perform a new performance artwork inspired by (NAP), 2pm.

Saturday, June 5---Beth Secor will treat us to a storytime starting at 1:30pm.

Saturday, June 19---Ruby "Lips" Woodward will be whistling lullabies starting at 1:30pm.

You can also drop-in or make an appointment to nap by calling 713-582-1198 anytime during Art League Houston's regular hours.

Art League Houston regular hours:
Mondays through Fridays from 9am to 5pm
Saturdays from 11am to 5pm

Siesta...

2010-05-05T14:36:00.001-07:00

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a siesta!

"The word siesta is Spanish, from the Latin hora sexta – "the sixth hour" (counting from dawn, therefore noon, hence "midday rest")."

Power Nap / Cuddle Puddle with Bedtime Story

2010-05-05T14:18:00.000-07:00

On March 27, A power nap was arranged in the middle of Performance Art Houston's performance night at El Rincon Social. Audience members were invited to refresh themselves with a power nap-cuddle puddle in the upstairs loft. A timer was set for 10 minutes, and I read the group a short story called "Not Tired" from Else Holmelund Minarik's "Little Bear's Visit". Afterwards, everyone was refreshed for experiencing the remaining performances.

Ok, so we were in a cuddle puddle, but what's your favorite position?
Saw this article on Yahoo..."What does your sleep position reveal about your personality?"

This will be interesting to see for nappers during the (NAP) project at Art League Houston.

Photo courtesy of Matthew Glover.

Puppie Pile Nap in a Bar

2010-04-30T14:34:00.000-07:00

On January 29, a puppy pile was performed at NOTSUOH in Houston, Texas. A score of "Please join me in a puppy pile" was presented on a sign for the audience to read and decide whether to participate. I chose the score and had painter Heather Strange paint the words on the sign for me. This was to bring the event even further from my control as I knew it already would be performed in public. Writer and educator Emily Bludworth read Miranda July's short story "This Person" while I lay on blankets next to the sign. Three people joined me.

Heather Strange (above)

Start of pile...(below)

Emily Bludworth reading next to pile.

Audience at Notsuoh.

Naps May Improve Performance Later in the Day is an article from NPR discussing the benefits of napping before spending time learning.

Photos courtesy of Richard Clark.

Napping Boosts Memory!

2010-04-23T10:15:00.001-07:00

Click this link from CNN.com to read how napping boosts memory if you dream.

Napping Affects Performance...

2010-04-12T09:56:00.001-07:00

Napping Affects Performance (NAP) opens Friday, May 14 (6-8pm) at Art League Houston and runs until June 25. NAP is a generosity (free) service and a participatory/performance project offering people a place to take a nap. NAP’s relation to performance is two-fold: its benefits on day-to-day functioning and the context participants are placed in while experiencing performance art whether a reading, interaction, etc.

Participants may drop-in or make an appointment to nap by calling 713-582-1198 any time during Art League Houston hours. Special group/community events including bedtime stories and lullabies will be scheduled throughout the run of the show.

The projected affects of NAP are a more restful community, a unique experience of performance art, and a new context for artists performing.

NAP can be followed at www.nappingaffectsperformance.blogspot.com. For an appointment to nap, please call: 713-582-1198.

Location:
Art League Houston
1953 Montrose Blvd.
Houston, TX 77006
May 14-June 25, 2010