Blog

It is no secret that the past year has been challenging. In moments of crisis, we often gravitate to the arts for solitude, solidarity, and reflection. The arts help us feel connected and empowered in times when we might feel the opposite. In reflection work, we often find the foundation for change, growth, and community and so, we invite you to reflect with us. 

To honor the hope and resilience of our community, Chapel Hill Community Arts and Culture, Chapel Hill Public Library, Orange County Arts Commission, Carrboro Recreation, Parks, & Cultural Resources, and UNC’s Arts Everywhere have established a joint Community Art Reflection project. This community art project encourages residents in Orange County to contemplate on the events, changes, and emotions of the past year and express those experiences, challenges, and hopeful moments on pieces of paper which will be turned into the foundation of a beautiful community art installation.

The goal of this intra-community piece is to reignite and celebrate our community connections by providing a creative opportunity that acts as a public forum while also giving space for private processing through artistic expression. 

The Project

Individuals will write their thoughts and reflections on pieces of paper in response to any or all of these prompts:

After the past year, 

• What do you hope to leave behind?
• What are you grateful for?
• What have you learned?

Once all submissions are collected, Chapel Hill artist Chieko Murasugi will use the actual papers with the written reflections as the material to create her sculptural symbols of hope. Written words will not necessarily be visible or highlighted in the final artwork. Instead, the goal is to create a sculpture that blends together all of the collected writings, prioritizing the collective over any individual piece. The finished sculptures will be installed in downtown Chapel Hill in Fall 2021.

How to Participate

• Participation is open to all who are interested (no age requirement)
• There is no limit to how many papers and thoughts one person can submit
• Any type of paper may be used; max size is 8.5 x 11 inches
• Colorful paper is encouraged
• Deadline extended to June 25

Submission details

• In person drop off:
  • Chapel Hill Public Library during the Library’s Park and Pick Up hours
    • Accepted between May 19th – June 25th 
    • Let staff member know it’s for the Community Reflections project
    • Times
      • Monday 10 am – 5 pm
      • Tuesday 10 am – 7 pm
      • Thursday 10 am – 5 pm
      • Friday 10 am – 5 pm
      • Saturday 10 am – 5 pm
  • The Porthole Building, 100 Porthole Alley, UNC Chapel Hill
    • June 2-11: Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays from 12 pm – 3:30 pm
    • June 14-25: Mondays-Fridays by appointment (email artseverywhere@unc.edu)
• Virtual: for those unable to drop off their reflections in person, responses can be submitted anonymously through this form 
• Large submissions: For submissions of 20 or more, please schedule a drop off date with Arts Everywhere by e-mailing artseverywhere@unc.edu

Questions? Email artseverywhere@unc.edu 

This project is brought to you by: