Can we get the 411 on the Honeycomb?
By: Jennifer MacIver Edwards
When we started the process of figuring out how we would create large format art with a diverse group of people in the middle of a pandemic we found many examples that inspired us-the art on buildings across the country-created in the form of postcards or loveletters to our frontline workers. We even found it in our own backyard sponsored by the Falmouth Chapter of the League of Women Voters who hosted a get out the vote themed mural painting for the public and this large format art in tribute to our dedicated health workers (a favorite from Chicago by artist Dwight White II can be seen below).
So, we set out to figure out how to include a diverse set of people to create this, given that COVID was on the rise again and “winter was coming” we knew it needed to be something that could be handed to people and then, returned. At first we thought-the mural, let’s create it with a group of artists and hand out pieces BUT, then Meclina found the “HONEYCOMB”. Yes, that honeycomb.
If we took a honeycomb shape and put it on cardstock then, we accomplished two things-we wouldn’t be stressing about whether we lost a part of the mural AND it’s easy to distribute and work with. It lets everyone contribute a piece of ORIGINAL artwork at home or in a safe manner. Those honeycombs can then,be dropped otf to a central place -in our case the Community Art Collaborative PO Box or the Planner’s Office at the Town Hall (our Town Planner, Robin Carver-ROCKS) Then, we assemble the honeycombs into a design either at Meclina’s loft OR safely socially distanced and masked at our The Plymouth Center for the Arts our generous in-kind sponsor. We overlay the very important motto “In this Together” and our town’s name.
We want this to be an interactive and multi-media program so, if our participants have social media handles and feel comfortable sharing them we will be asking that they include them. Even better would be for our participants to document it while they create the art and tag us on Instagram and use the #inthistogether Upon return, we will photograph and share their beautiful work and stories on our Instagram and TikTok channels. This also helps us share this idea far and wide. We’ve chosen to participate in the hashtag #inthistogether
Because this let’s individuals,families and organizations of all types contribute; AND the art can be easily assembled we hope to inspire others. The best outcome here is that we inspire other towns, cities, organizations to consider building out a program like this and using the hashtag #inthistogether. Think AIDS quilt, think commemorating the lives we lost,the jobs and social ties but, also the perseverance and the celebration of life itself; moving forward represented by individuals contributing to this work.
A quick PSA, none of this would be possible without the amazing and supportive partnership we’ve created with Malissa Kenney and Robin Carver. So, when you begin a venture like this be on the lookout for “the helpers” in your community as Mr. Rogers would say. Because, they know the organizations and the people who will join in to help you build on this idea.
Now, back to the honeycomb- each honeycomb and the art created on it celebrates an individual what they personally have experienced in the last year and would like to share. Because it is cardstock the artist could use watercolors, markers, crayons, acrylics, pastels, create a collage whatever suits them. Truly, individual!
When we assemble those honeycombs it represents the community and couldn’t we all use a little more community and social connection these days. Our first installation will be ready to be installed in early Spring so, we get the opportunity to safely, socially distance to celebrate as a community healing, re-opening and moving forward as America always has.