It Takes a Team
Big art and collaboration!
It’s been a rough week for half of the country. In hard times, unity is our most valuable asset. By working together, we don’t just achieve a task; we reinforce the ties that will carry us through future challenges, creating a legacy of hope, resilience, and community that endures.
“Empower” Mosaic by 150 Artists
A team activity brought 150 people together to create a giant mosaic in just 90 minutes. The design, prepared in advance, was centered on the theme of “empower.” Though the piece was intricate, the group collaborated seamlessly to bring it to life, and the final result was truly stunning! Learn more at Blue Wolf Team Building.
See
I think there is something really special about working collaboratively. It bears the obvious connection to the phrase about the sum being greater than any of the parts. I feel like participating in a group project when you have many hands working, the pressure and stress to perform perfectly slips away. Each doing their best is enough to create a finished product that shows both the uniqueness of the individual and the culmination consuming any one contribution. I think that’s why it is a freeing activity.
Be yourself, no one else can do it as well as you!
Bellagio Chandelier by Dale Chihuly
“Glassblowing is an ancient craft developed by the Romans 2,000 years ago. Traditionally, it has always been done in teams of three to six people. Most of the glass I make is created similarly to how it was done then, except that my teams are sometimes as large as twelve to fourteen people, simply because the scale is larger and the pieces are more complex.” -Dale Chihuly
EARTHTIME 1.78 Madrid, Spain, 2018 by Janet Echelman
Echelman has worked with a diverse range of professionals, such as fishermen, engineers specializing in net, aeronautical, steel structure, and concrete, design consultants, fabricators, lighting experts, and installers. Her sculptures would not be possible without a team.
In challenging times, working together lightens individual burdens and strengthens resilience. Collaboration combines unique skills, making tough tasks more achievable, and builds emotional well-being by fostering connection and countering isolation. Group efforts create a sense of shared purpose, leading to a lasting impact on both individuals and the community. By joining forces, we don’t just overcome obstacles; we also forge bonds and resilience that will help us face future challenges together.
Let’s work together and see what we can accomplish!
Say
Chihuly got some slack for not blowing glass for his projects later in his career. Do you feel that his orchestration of the work with the ideas, sketches, and team facilitation is enough for him to sign his name? Why/why not?
When have you been a part of a successful team project? How did it feel?
2018 | You Betcha Community Mural At Crossing Arts
Local artist Tony Powers designed a mural for the Crossing Arts building in Brainerd, MN. He sketched out the design and the community was invited to come and paint a portion in. This project was made possible by Brainerd Restoration through the deTour Downtown Social Crowdfunding Campaign.
Do
Facilitate a group art project to bring your community together.Here are some creative ideas for collaborative art projects:
Community Mural – Create a large mural where each participant paints a small section. Together, these pieces form a cohesive image or theme chosen by the group.
Puzzle Painting – Divide a large canvas into puzzle-like sections for each person to paint individually. When assembled, the pieces create a complete image.
Photography Mosaic – Take individual photos related to a theme, then combine the printed images to create a larger picture or message.
Nature Installation – Use natural elements like stones, leaves, and flowers to build a collaborative outdoor installation. This can be done in parks or natural spaces, allowing for group connection to the environment.
Twin Cities readers: Sign up for my latest studio classes. They start this week!
Please share your reflections with me by replying to this post and tagging my Wonder Wander Facebook or Instagram pages!
