06/28/2025
The project I have been inspired to begin is named “Make Your Mark”. It is an interactive, hands-on activism art banner that aims to give voice to the people. Each person is invited to consider what they value, care for, and/or wish to see protected. They will then dip their hand in washable red tempera paint and place their handprint on the cloth, then use a permanent marker to add their personal message. Water will be provided to wash the paint from hands. I ask that there be no profanity, names, or specific reference to politics.
While I aim to keep this from devolving into an argument of political sides, or really from being any kind of political message, the reality is it is difficult to separate the current state of the world from the pieces we each hold dear. Nothing exists in a vacuum. Activism, while often associated with political movements, is really aimed at positive social change. Effective activists possess persistence, creativity, commitment, and often courage, but above all, a belief in human beings and human rights. This is about humans.
I was originally fueled to begin “Make Your Mark” after the Board of Directors at The Hardy Gallery made a decisive last minute decision to pull my separate, and admittedly highly political piece, from their annual Wall To Wall Show in May. They were concerned that my piece would cause abuse to their kind volunteer docents and impact their yearly donations, which are necessary as an non-profit arts organization. My dismay as an artist stems from the fact that the fear of repercussion is daily impacting people’s ability to express themselves through creative means. My dismay as a human goes deeper.
When fear controls and silences our truths we all lose.
I, perhaps naively, was shocked by the response to the new and positive “Make Your Mark”. It is meant to be an all encompassing, positive means of expression and community. That it has caused some controversy is distressing, but this isn’t about an individual or party. While set up in Baileys Harbor at the Sunday Farmers Market, as people were excitedly adding their prints and voices to the art, I was forced to leave. Someone made a complaint, insisting this to be anti-Trump and political. The irony is it wasn’t; it just so happens that the messages written are things the current administration is dismantling. I began to cry, and was given flowers and hugs by a lovely young couple who had just printed their hands. It was at once crushing, and hopeful. I won’t be silenced or allow others to be silenced. I am hoping there are many people who would want to participate and help to make this banner miles long, from sea to shining sea, or at the least from lakeshore to lakeshore.
I have no issues with the great Baileys Harbor Farmers Market or Baileys Harbor Community Association, or any individual associated with them. Please continue to support the farmers market and the vendors. I understand that this has taken on a little life of its’ own on social media; while I appreciate the support I’m not particularly tech savvy and was unaware of some of the negative comments being made. This isn’t about me versus you, or us versus them; this is about something greater.
I encourage anyone to take the banner and run with it, so to speak. If you would like to join me in person I will be set up:
-tomorrow Sunday June 29th once again in Baileys Harbor at the Marina Park from 10am, weather dependent
-at Peach Barn Farmhouse & Brewery in Sister Bay on July 2nd at 1pm in collaboration with Northern Door Activism and their march occurring at 2pm
I will post other popup locations. I am happy to be invited to your location or event.
I would also love for folks to do this on their own; come see how it works or stop by my studio!
In conclusion, this really is about open discussion and hope. Feel free to reach out to me.
