Traveling art project visits library

Every chair was quickly occupied at the Herman B Wells Library on Tuesday, causing people to sit together side-by-side on the floor as they applauded, cried and watched history.

Diane Dallis, head of undergraduate library services, said she was happy to coordinate an event for students to stop by between classes.  

“We exceeded capacity and had about 75 to 100 people,” Dallis said. “But I think it was very exciting, and people enjoyed getting to experience it.”

Monique Threatt, head of media reserve services at the library, said afterward she loved the entire inauguration process.

“I feel there is a new sense of optimism and hope for the whole nation and world,” Threatt said.

After President Barack Obama’s speech, students filtered to the lobby where the ArtsWeek 2009 project was set up. The interactive project, “Yes We Can,” is a continuation of the first Writing on the Wall project created by Bloomington artist Joe LaMantia.

“Yes We Can” is a project of freestanding panels that allow students to answer the question, “What are your hopes and dreams for American democracy?”

LaMantia said he felt the question and the project addressed President Obama’s motivation for uniting the American people. For LaMantia, his hope for American democracy is to be united.

“The real sense of ‘we’ or ‘us’ as a nation and not as separate entities, and to make peace for everyone, is my hope,” he said.

Other participants’ hopes for American democracy could be seen scribbled all over the panels. Some were spray-painted; others were in permanent markers. Some were negative, and others were optimistic.

“You can’t kill for peace.”

“Democracy is this wall.”

“President Obama, For the very first time today I felt proud to be an American. You have my full respect. To the future!”

President Obama might just get that message, too.

LaMantia said they have the required authorization needed to display this project at the National Mall in Washington from Oct. 27 to Nov. 5.

“This was all part of a two-year commitment for a theme, ‘politics in the arts,’” LaMantia said.

Sophomore Becca Lanter said she can’t wait to write on the panels.

“This is amazing; it’s a true work of art,” Lanter said. “Nobody’s telling anybody what to write, and it’s great.”

The exhibit will be in the Wells Library lobby for 10 days.

For many like freshman Carly Bassen, Tuesday’s inauguration meant more than swearing in the 44th President of the United States.

“Obama has let the word ‘opportunity’ rise to its reputation,” she said. “I cried my eyes out.”