November 5, 2004: Volume 62, Number 9

Unified Art Project offers canvas for expression

Someone wrote simply, "End War." Another asked, "Do You Feel a Draft?" Some painted rainbows, hearts and peace signs next to words like "Unity" and "Harmony." Others splattered paint in angry motions.

From all over campus, they expressed themselves in the Unified Union Art Piece on Wednesday in Library Plaza.

This is something I've wanted to do for a long time, said organizer Jason Tucciarone '05, a double major in biology and philosophy with a strong interest in art.

"This is a good way to have people express themselves," he said, adding that they will get a sense for the whole piece when it is displayed on a large campus wall sometime after this term.

Having the mass art project the day after the election was coincidental, Tucciarone said, but the timing caused people to creatively express their thoughts about the election and the future of the country.

Tucciarone and fellow organizer Jeff Marshall '05, a philosophy major, coordinated the event as dozens of students and faculty took off their shoes to walk on the canvas and brush, spatter or finger paint symbols and words. The segmented canvas, which measured 20- by 40-feet, will be separated into eight sections for display.

A sunny day and high winds meant that the paint dried quickly. Facilities delivered cinder blocks to help anchor the work, Tucciarone said. WRUC broadcasted from Library Plaza during the event.

Support for the project came from Deans Steve Leavitt and Kimmo Rosenthal, a Social Enrichment Grant, Student Activities and Director Matt Milless, Student Forum and the Minerva Houses.

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