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In response to the
tragic events of September 11, the Staff Council of Smith
College wanted to do something. A committee of volunteers
was formed and set to work. The group met with Josh Miller
of the School for Social Work to discuss ideas that might
promote healing on our campus. Josh, a recognized authority
in developing community mental health response to trauma
and disasters, gave the group some valuable suggestions and
input. As a result, the entire Smith College community is
invited to participate in Cut from the Same Cloth, a visual
representation of our emotions created through interactive
art.
Loosely inspired
by a Japanese tradition, this project encourages individuals
to share their thoughts and feelings
surrounding the events of September 11 (and
the aftermath that continues today) by writing or drawing their responses, with
indelible marker, on cloth strips. The markers and strips will be located at
various sites on campus; the libraries, Gamut, near the student mailboxes, Physical
Plant, the Quad, and 30 Belmont. Suggested topics cover four general categories "Anger
and Fear," "Things We Share/Have in Common," "Hopes" and "Suggested
Actions," but all thoughts and feelings are welcomed.
Students, staff and
faculty are asked to tie the strips onto any link in the designated area on
the construction fence across from Neilson Library. Please
plan to make time to stop and read what others on campus have written as well.
Cut from the Same Cloth is scheduled to be on the fence from Thursday, October
11-Monday, October 22, but with an ongoing community response, could be extended
through Friday, October 26.
Once the display
is removed, Staff Council will read each strip of cloth
to summarize the expressed sentiments
and the suggested actions for further consideration.
The Smith College community will have the opportunity to review those actions
and indicate their preferences in early November. |
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