Planning this national community engagement art project, The Keys to Our American Dreams, is an enormous undertaking....so many different elements to consider.
What I have learned from this project so fan, is that everyone is creative and everyone has something of value to say. We have learned that as a people, we are more alike than different. This is an important message and that’s why we are taking this project nationwide. Right now I am looking to book venues to gather the KeyStories, my plan is to showcase stories from mainstream America as well as underrepresented communities. Some of my ancestors were Amish. I would love to gather stories from that community. Any ideas of other groups that need to be included?
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I was asked to select my "favorite" KeyStories - I have thousands, way to many for this short video. I am so moved by what people choose to share in this simple and complex art project. Share the video, share your comments and let me know if you would like to be part of this national art experience. thekeyidea@gmail.com It's that time.... there is something about making a Halloween costume, this year my favorite little 5 year old will be a dragon.
As a kid, my mother would ask us to draw a picture of what we wanted to be and then she would make a costume from our drawing. I continued that tradition with my own children and now with my granddaughters. I don't really sew very ofter, but there is something about the creative challenge that I enjoy so much. I have to get the wings just right. Sometimes I am overwhelmed with the scope of what we plan to do. I've been going through all kinds of files to find the perfect KeyStories for the informational video. I am so moved by how people respond the simple prompt, What does your key open or start or do?
We are in the process of making a video and promo package both to inform people about The Keys to Our American Dreams and to secure some needed funding. I've been asked to "pick the best KeyStories to feature" . Such a simple request but so difficult to do. I am guessing I need to select fewer than 500. Dreams are so heartfelt and varied. How do I decide what not to include?
I've been inspired by other artists who have created something and hid it, tucked away to be found and appreciated by others. Josh Simpson hides "glass planets" all over the world for people. https://www.megaplanet.com/the-infinity-project/
Eben Horton created "The Glass Float Project", hundreds of glass floats are hidden on the many walking trails of Block Island. http://www.blockislandinfo.com/glass-float-project/ I like making these KeyStones and tucking them in to places for others to notice unexpectedly. The "finders" are curious then inspired to consider what this key might open or start or do. Hiding tiny treasures is one way I can share optimism. Would you like a box of 11 KeyStones? Ten for you to hide and one for you to keep, donation suggested. ontact me. thekeyidea@gmail.com The Stories of Keys, Las cuentas de llaves. at the Muraleando Arts Center in Havana, Cuba.
visit www.thekeyidea.org What a thrill! The Key Idea is linked to the Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum's website. We will be there this weekend, Feb 10 for the Mardi Gras Family Day. People of all ages will have the opportunity to participate in The Key to Community which will accompany the primary exhibit, A Right to the City, focused on rapid development and change in DC. By creating a KeyStory, folks will be able to share their experience as neighborhoods change. anacostia.si.edu/Events
We are thrilled to have received a grant from the hope & grace fund, a project of New Venture Fund in partnership with the global women's skincare brand philosophy, inc. The Key Idea will be found at NAMI (National Association of Mental Illness) groups across Cape Cod and the Island. We will give folks who suffer from mental illness issues, their caretakers and first responders the opportunity to add their stories of struggle and success.
For about ten years I have been working on large scale community art project that would engage people of all ages. I have dreams of an exhibit in the Smithsonian. It is happening!
The Key to Community, an exhibit of about 500 KeyStories is headed to the Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum in October 2018. It will accompany the primary exhibit on gentrification. I am thrilled to bring this community project to DC. |
Lenore LyonsLenore Lyons is passionate about igniting the spark that happens when people think creatively and get big ideas. There is something about riffling through a large tray of keys that encourages people of all ages to think about possibilities for their life and their loved ones. Archives
August 2021
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