A Safe Space for Play and Gathering

Abstract for my senior honors project

Art has the ability to increase the well-being of a community. My outdoor sculptural installation creates a space for play, gathering, and safety at St. Catherine University (hereafter St. Kate’s). Built to invite self-exploration and playful engagement through a hands-on, tactile, and immersive experience. Thinking about the audiences for my project, along with a reflection on what three-dimensional shapes invoke feelings of playfulness, I have designed a mushroom-shaped sculpture that is large enough for people to go inside. I want my project to be welcoming and to encourage people to gather together. Safe environments are vital for community members to be their authentic selves; if people are not feeling safe then they cannot thrive in their uniqueness. Further, my art explores the paradigm of playfulness. In our colonized society, play is often seen as only important for children, and many adults never allow themselves to be playful; however, there are proven benefits of cultivating a playful mindset and of taking leisure time to be playful. Ultimately, my project explores the connection between public art and the well-being of the St. Kate’s community. 

Process photos

Acknowledgments

Thank you to my project advisor Amy Hamlin for their wisdom and guidance, and for gifting me with many artists and questions to explore throughout this process. 

Thank you to my amazing project committee members Bethany Rahn, Amy Hilden, Anh-Hoa Nguyen, and Nicole Watson. Each of them guided me when I needed it and believed in me from the start. 

Appreciation and gratitude to the head of the honors department, Rafael Cervantes, for all his mentorship and support. 

Thank you to my wonderful team of builders, artists, and supporters including  Nick Smith, Tara Harbo, Sofia Osterlund,  Emilia Garrido Vasquez, Charlotte Norwood, Manny, Jade Lent, Johann von Weiss, Hans von Weiss, and Shannon McHone.

I have so much gratitude and love for all of you.