Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Art as Community Engagement

Having noticed as I run in the morning the increasing problem of graffiti around town on paths and overpasses I was encouraged to see some art painted on the entrance to an overpass on Oakland Mills Road. I am not sure if this was an officially sanctioned painting or just someone feeling that it would look better than the graffiti that was there before.

Many cities have taken to the idea of having art pieces designed on statues of relevant animals for that city. So you have crabs in Baltimore and cows in Chicago. It got me thinking that as part of the Festival of the Arts maybe we could identify a similar symbol for Howard County and have groups post art representations around the county. Not sure what would best represent Howard County but am open to ideas. As in other cities the art creations were auctioned to raise funds for community projects. Maybe it could fund art projects in our schools. And put some fun in our community and engage groups in a creative art project. Wonder if there are any takers to make this happen?

3 comments:

  1. Great idea! I can't think of an animal that symbolizes Howard County, but what about trees?

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  2. I was thinking of something along the lines of the People Tree if that wouldn't be too complex to replicate. Maybe an idea that the Howard Hughes folks might like to consider to create goodwill with their new presence in our community.

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  3. I remember the People Tree being everywhere when I was growing up. It was on T-shirts, bumper stickers, and pretty much anything that said, "Columbia" on it. In the last decade or so, it's been relegated to forgotten status, and the only remnant is the actual people tree by Lake Kittamakundi, next to Clydes.

    I think it is a great idea to bring back the People Tree as our symbol. It sends a great message, as our community is a place where our roots are placed, but we are constantly reaching out towards greater goals.

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