For this activity, Team 2 members made two ThingLinks using images of the Osage vest and Bubble Blower sculpture from the KYL collections. ThingLink is a digital program that allows one to select a photograph of an object and create “hotspots” over certain features of that object. As visitors hover over different “hotspots” on these two images, different blocks of information will pop up. Try out our ThingLinks by scrolling down!
There is little information about the Native objects from the Van Ness KYL collection as well as St. Leger Eberle's sculptures available to the library’s visitors. The vest is placed in a display case with many other Native objects and no supplementary information about the objects, which diminishes the significance and unique quality of the vest. This lack of context also makes it appear as if the vest (and other Native objects) are from Webster City. Additionally the lack of context makes it appear as if the vest is an accurate representation of what Native art is today and does not recognize Native artists who produce “fine arts.” Both of these narratives are incorrect and should not be perpetuated throughout Webster City. The Osage Vest ThingLink interpretive engagement activity will not only bring attention to this significant piece of history while adding educational value, but it will provide a more accurate context for its interpretation. Additionally, the ThingLink for Abastenia St. Leger Eberle's Bubble Blower helps provide context for her sculptures, which are also displayed without any supplementary information in KYL. St. Leger Eberle was a prolific artist who used her art as social commentary, an important fact not emphasized in the library.
The links to the ThingLinks could be posted on KYL’s Twitter and Facebook accounts as well as on the homepage of their website. To further raise awareness of the activities, the ThingLinks can be opened on computer downstairs at KYL by the actual vest. This way, the ThinkLinks will get visitors’ attention both on-site at the library and from wherever visitors choose to access the activities outside of KYL.