got any ideas?

Bear with me...this is a wordy post.

I'm totally and utterly bursting at the seams with excitement/nervouseness/anticipation over a new project I've been incubating for a few months. I'm down to the final stages of phase one being "done" and I can't wait to see it all come together. It's not the biggest idea in the world but it is big for me. It's a little different for me in a few ways - in all ways that I'm totally in love with, totally freaked out about, and totally in need of for my current desire to bloom where I'm planted.

it involves creating art for people who don't know my art...in a small town where personal aesthetics can be, well, a bit behind the times.

it will not make me one red cent. In fact, it's going to cost me.

it allows me to share my limited talents with my immediate community in a way that I hope will be positive and uplifting

there is no guarantee that anyone will like it or even "get" it

But. I have to do it anyway. I have to. A stirring in my soul will not rest until I give it my best shot.

We live in a very small town where there is one of everything (pharmacy, post office, grocery store, elementary school, high school...) With a population of around 2500 in the city limits and that again in the more rural surroundings there isn't a ton of diversity at first glance. We've recently had a major upheaval in our school district that closed the historic elementary school that was tucked up in the more rural area of our valley which meant that the downtown elementary would take on more students. To accommodate this change, the middle school across the street booted the 7th and 8th graders up to the high school. So, we've gone from having two elementaries, one middle school and one high school to having one elementary that is on two campuses and one high school that is officially called the jr./sr. high.This has been a big change for the whole community.

Tempers flared when the time came last year to vote on this change and there was a clear and heated divide. Those who optimistically spoke up with encouragement that the change will be fine if we all work together towards solutions and positive side-effects were quickly shot down by those who wanted to blame and convince many that this change was going to "ruin our kids".

I went to many meetings and never spoke a word. I went to see what was going on. I went to try to hold energy for a positive exchange. The more I went the more I felt like I was not contributing anything to this little town I love and live in. I'm not known as the mom who always volunteers or serves on committees. I'm likely best known as the wild pony's mom who "travels a lot". I'm not interested in running for any public office, I'm not interested in being heavily invovled in the PTO/PTA (not always the neutral, happy-go-lucky organization that it could be), and I'm not interested in complaining about all those IN those capacities who are doing the best they can...and doing really amazing stuff! There are a ton of people in this town who are doing GOOD things and the unfortunate part of that is that most of those people are totally under the radar of the public eye.

Our main street is full of empty store fronts and declining businesses. Black-hole windows don't beckon you to look at what our town has to offer at its front door. Wall to wall buildlings lining both sides of the street have the potential to be darling cafes, charming boutiques, tea shops and florists. (When and if I ever open a "real" business here in town, it will be a flower shop.) There are busy bees behind the scenes gathering coats for kids and food for the food bank and all manner of things the needy could use. There is a lot of good happening in a lot of places but not so much on main street.

Long story short, I took a leap of faith and contacted the owner of the biggest windowed shop in town. It just so happens to be the building that you are facing when you stop at the t intersection that brings you into town from the freeway. It's on the main drag and seen by all. I'd like to say it hit me one day to create positive art installations in those windows but the reality is that on a subconsious level I had the idea for quite a while and never trusted it enough to let it surface. When talking to the oldest wild pony last spring about the school drama she said something that hit my like a ton of bricks (I was/am so amazed by her)...she said "I know that people, like, totally think this school thing is, like, going to ruin our education. But, like, I mean, I don't really want to have to share the halls with 7th and 8th graders my first year of high school, but like, it's not going to RUIN me. You know? I mean, I think all of us kids are pretty good at making the best of things."

She is totally right on. Kids are so resiliant when adults don't get in the way. Well, even when they do. I wanted to show that. I wanted to make that truth shine in our community away from the debates and the meetings and the restructuring commitees. I wanted to show the light that is in all the quiet corners of our town. I wanted to remind people that they are, as individuals, a a gift to their families and that their families are a gift to our community and that our community is a gift to the world at large. Just like yours is.

Without recounting all the serendipitous aspects of getting permission to use the windows for that purpose - a phone call, meeting the owners who just happened to be amazing, kind, generous, art-loving out of towners who handed me the key to the building before I left that very first meeting, the local hardware store donating materials that I will need for a BIG wall in the buildling, etc - I will say that it seems like it has all fallen in to place as if I am totally supposed to do this right now. Theman has been nothing but supportive of the idea and I can't imagine being able to do it without that support. Seriously a big deal.

These windows are big. There are two of them that measure 8 feet by 16 feet each and that, my friends, is a lot of space to fill. I really honestly look forward to the growth it will allow me on many levels and to invovling other members of the community (the kids mostly) to participate in the development and messages as the project evolves. It's easy to complain about what isn't right and this is my {slightly selfish} way to try to avoid that in myself. A focus on what is good.

Each window display will be totally, a million percent focused on being uplifting. I will use color, photography, sculpture, salvage and reuse and everything else I can get my hands on to make eye catching displays that stir the light in those who enjoy them. Each display (rotating about every month or two depending on the installation) will include quotes and messages that will remind the viewers of their inherent and undeniable good, strength and beauty.

The guy that drives the big plumbing truck...maybe he'll smile after a long day.
The lady with the big "O" on the back of her car...maybe she'll be a little less hard on herself.
The teen who walks all over town alone and in black...maybe he'll know he's welcome here.
The couple who have been faced with great loss...maybe they'll take a walk just to look at it and feel good for a little while.
The superintendent and principles of the schools...maybe they'll remember that they have incredible, capable, and talented kids in their charge who are passionate, driven, and self-motivated and who like to have fun...even with adults.
The guys that work at the lumber mill, the cars in line at the coffee shop, the folks at the controversial herbal resource center, the cafe, the real estate office, the bar, the gas station, the grocery store, the senior center...all these people deserve to see their light reflected back at them through these installations.

See why I'm nervous? I want to do them all justice.

Sigh.

The project will be mostly anonymous except for those who have generously donated materials to make it happen. They will be acknowledged and thanked. My intention is for the windows to be blank one day and full the next. We'll be doing a lot of work in the night and preparing all the components at home as much as possible. My poor family....loosing the dinner table so I can filled dozens of old bottles with rolled paper messages or paint words on rustic pallets. They are a forgiving lot and I am grateful to my bones for it. There will be nearly 100 boxes to wrap for the first installation that focuses on the gifts we all bring to our families, partners, careers, and community. Seems fitting for this time of year.

I want to name this project...just in case, you know, it grows or branches out. Even if it doesn't, I want it to have a clear identity. I want to give it a good and proper name that reflects the intention of reminding others of their natural light. Something simple and true. I need your help and since nothing garners comments/input like a good old fashioned give away, I'm hosting one to get your ideas of what this project could be called. The three that are on my consideration list so far are The Spark Project, Project Uplift, and Project Ignite. I know all you awesome thinkers out there can come up with some much more amazing ideas even if they are just a word that comes to mind. If you don't mind, leave a comment here and on Wednesday I will select the winning word/idea and the commenter will receive a $100 Amazon gift card.

If you would like to support my efforts by donating to the project, every dollar will help gather the supplies needed for each installation. My skill for thrift with impact is honed and I intend to put my talents (and your donations) to good use. So, thank you. A million times over.

Shine on. Shine on.

UPDATE: Wow. Thank you so much for your supportive emails and comments! I'm deeply moved and grateful for your encouragement. A kind friend pointed out that I had no "donate" button for those who want to support my efforts and me-oh-my-oh was it weird to realize that some odd part of me didn't think it would actually be used. Thank you to each and every email sent that says "where can I donate?" to which I reply with a grateful HERE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[carlanda williamson]

wow! i love your town, but it does lack the cute businesses that could be. the brightest spot in town is the mural, and the wonderful station restaurant. i like project ignite the best, because this will only be the beginning, the ignition. then it will skyrocket!! wish i was there already to help. soon......soon. what a great giveaway and project. much love and success to you. xo

[carlanda williamson]

and i would use my certificate to buy the dvd's of our class!!

[Cynthia]

Wow, Stephanie, what an AWESOME project you are hatching! It all sounds wonderful, can't wait to see the photos of the upcoming installations. So wonderful of you to do this for your town.

The name that came to me when I read your post is "Shine Out", to encourage people to let their natural light shine out so others can see it. Clearly, you are already doing that!

[Ronnie LeBaron]

Steph! I'm proud to call you family! So awesome, what you're doing! Let me know if I can help you in any way! I'll keep my brain open to ideas and inspiration as I'm out and about snapping photos. I thought (and I don't want your Amazon card! Keep it and use it for materials!) maybe something with some alliteration would have a nice ring to it, like "Wishing Windows," or Window Wishes, or Sculptures of Sweetness, Ideal Installations, Inspiration Installations, Windows for Love, Art for Aspiration, Art for Action, Active Windows, Project Urge & Inspire...something like that. I don't know if the perfect one is in there, but something's gotta come close. Anyway, good luck, hope I can help out in some little way!

[Eunice]

I came up with Project Inspire. You inspire others to ignite their own creativity, and I admire you for that. Continue to inspire, Stephanie!

[Denise S.]

How about Glimpses of Greatness? I wish you much success with this grand project you have started.

[Amy]

this is AWESOME.

i don't think my name suggestion is really your thing :) but all that comes to mind is
'the uplift mofo party plan'

i think i just ripped that from red hot chili peppers.

but it fits because it's such a positive thing.
xxa

[Tamara]

Hi Stephanie, I don't always have a chance to read your posts but today I did...and I'm glad I had the time!

I think what you're doing is a true inspiration to everyone whoever felt like complaining about their own Main St. Our little American towns are facing hard times.

What your message says to me reminds me of that poem by Marianne Williamson... http://skdesigns.com/internet/articles/quotes/williamson/our_deepest_fear/

My thought would be the "We All Shine Project" ... if you choose to use this please donate the prize to the cause!

Thank you for your inspiration and I can't wait to see what the installations look like...please post them!
Tamara

[Sherri]

I'm so excited to see how this turns out! What a neat concept and an awesome contribution!

Hmmmm. How about "Greater than One"? Lots of things you could do with that...focus on the great or focus on the aspect of unity, community, togetherness. Focus on the uniqueness of individuals who contribute to make the sum greater than the parts., etc.

[dorylyn]

How wonderful, Stephanie! Oh, how I wished I lived in your small community. I would be the first to volunteer. I hope you will share your growth and art with photos on your blog. I am excited for you!

After reading your post, I was thinking of Building Blessings or Kindred Spirits United.

[shelley in big sky]

you totally rock stephanie...i love what you are doing...how bout "project inspiration...come together thru art"...if this phrase works...i donate back to the wonderful cause...keep on keepin` on...play well...

[Barbara]

I just thought about Shine On~ because it's an active name with a positive verb. When I was reading your post, Instant Karma started playing in my head :)

Wait to go for spreading the light!

[debbiejl]

What about Intersection? Its at the crossroad literally, but also the intersection of people, ideas, and art.

I also saw said Project Inspire... I like that too.

And um, if you do choose mine. I'd love your Plaster e=book instead. I have your book and took the class but am kicking myself for not getting the ebook at the discounted price.

[kelly]

How about The Together Project or Project Together? Or Come Together, Spark Together, Art Together, Create Together or just Together?

I *love* what you are doing!

For some reason, if you pick me, even though I'm a book lover, please use the funds towards your community project. :)

[Shannon C]

I kept thinking Inspire, Spark, Shine. I know we were supposed to pick a title but I am so bad at this.

[karen]

How about "Spread Joy" or "Thrive!" Ugh. I am bad at this, too. I just want you to know that I think your idea is absolutely magnificent. And you are absolutely awesome! I hope you take some photos because I will be so very sad if I don't get to see how amazing it turns out!

[Leslie Todd]

I like the words spark and shine.

I think this is a great idea. Maybe it will even turn into something bigger than you are thinking of now. Hope so!

[Sharon Tomlinson]

When I got to the bottom, the name that came to me was, "Shine Up"
Like you are going to shine up the town. And lift up the spirits and get thing up and going.

[Silvia Byrne]

What an amazing project - that's a wonderful thing you are starting - i liked the idea of spark but turned into project sparkle - making the town sparkle a little, letting your creativity sparkle in the windows, adding sparkle to the people's lives you will be affecting - a sparkle of light in the darkness.
Good luck and can't wait to see some photos. x

[Rebecca Dean]

Wow! Another fantastic, awesome, inspiring and "can't wait to see it" project from the GREAT Stephanie Lee.

My vote is "IGNITE!" Just one word, that says it all! LOVE IT, LOVE IT!

Love to throw some money at you to help, is there a button to push to contribute, or shall I just hand you some cold, hard cash. I hope your "photography" ideas are panning out.

Amazing, amazing!
See you soon.

[Laurie Jacobsen]

Is there a "donate" button somewhere?

[Christina]

Your post brought tears to my eyes. You do have such a way with words, the way you described the people in your town and wanting to uplift them in some way. From the lady with the big O on the back of her car to the boy with head hanging who wears black.

As I was reading your post on the lovely thing you want to do for your town I kept on thinking of the poem by Maya Angelou "Still I Rise" two stanza's in particular.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.

Being from a small town myself (population 2,700 not counting the men's prison down the road) it is hard to see the empty store fronts, and the bitter feud between some members of the community and what is perceived as lack of fiscal responsibility by our town's government. It is so easy to get bogged down in the muck, and I so very much like your idea of reminding the community what a great place it really is. Each of us has greatness in us, we just need to remember that sometimes.

Still I Rise!

[Riki Schumacher]

Wonderful! Good for you Steph, I am not surprised. You have found one more thing to add to your amazing array of talent, sculpture, or kind of! I love it, every single word. I live on an island with about the same number of people, totally know what you are talking about. It is kind of like a small boat, every square foot matters. In a small town, every single person matters, they affect, more than they think. In a good way, or not in a good way, that is their choice. You are choosing to contribute in a fabulous way, a way of "giving back" to your community. This is an act of courage, commitment and selflessness, and you have my total respect. I see the project as a "Reflection" of each person, as they see themselves in the community. Your messages will give them pause to reflect on how lucky they are to live there, and have each other. Every single person matters. Each person affects their surroundings daily, and I think that is forgotten. Even in a small community, you can be invisible.

You go girl, show them all what you're thinking. They will love you more for it, and recognize you for the love you hold in your heart, and make the world a better place for so many, something we art followers already know!

Lots of love, Riki

[April Edmunds]

You are a smart cookie! It takes courage to tell everyone what you are planning...now you have to do it, lol! I was thinking maybe "Spirit of (your town)" and you could even have a different theme each month. Spirit of love, spirit of spring, spirit of (school mascot).

Do you feel the breeze coming, the warm draft from all the positive energy moving your way? Spread your wings, Stephanie. And yes, please post pictures. LOTS of pictures. April

[Christine Morgan]

How about "New Light Through Old Windows"?

[Olivia King]

I visit your blog occasionally, and I am always inspired or uplifted by your ideas! But this is one great big Shining Star of an idea! I commend you, Lady! The word that has often come to my mind when times are grim, and seems no light at the end of the tunnel is "perseverance." This is the attitude that founded this country and has kept us going through all the hard times, wars, and political dramas. We Shall Persevere, and we do! I wish I lived closer to you, I would jump in with both feet and roll as many newspapers as needed with a smile! I will donate to your fund, just as soon as I have some extra $$ not many floating around these days! But I continue to persevere and believe tomorrow will be grand!
Olivia

[heather]

i'm late so probably missed whatever deadline existed... but i read your post and thought "Simple Gifts". there, very simple :)

[Jillayne]

Fabulous Stephanie, just fabulous. Maybe you could call it that! best of luck...

[Alice]

Wow, I've missed a lot while I've been away! Your project sounds amazing! I love that you are giving your time, talent, and supplies for such a worthy project. I can't wait to see how it evolves!

Our town is much like yours--with just unde 3,000 people including the rurual areas. Our downtown is nearly dead, and there doesn't seem to be any enthusiasm for change here. Most of them commute to another city to work, so they seem a bit detached when it comes to growing the town.

[Cate Brown]

* INSPIRATION* INSTALLATION*

THIS is so wonderful Stephanie!
I can't wait to follow you and all the inspiration you are sharing
with the community and now the larger community!!
You are an INSPIRATION INSTALLATION yourself!!

The best of luck!!

Cate Brown