Public Art Commission
John R. Howard Hall
Mark R. Smith, Artist

Over the past two years, with the assistance of the Regional Arts and Culture Council (RACC), the College invited artists and artist teams from the Northwest and British Columbia to submit proposals for the Howard Hall Public Art Project. Nearly 100 proposals were submitted to RACC,three semi-finalists were reviewed by Art Committee, and Portland artist Mark R. Smith was selected.

The letter which follows was written by Mark Smith inviting the Lewis & Clark College communilty to participate in this creation.

I have been commissioned to create an art installation for the new Social Sciences building, Howard Hall, which is currently under construction across from the Watzek Library. Because the social sciences epitomize the idea of community, I would like for the artwork to reflect a collective process in its creation. Therefore to complete the project, I hope to collect actual materials from Lewis & Clark students, faculty and staff to be incorporated into the art. As a result, the College community will leave its imprint on the work, and all persons who contribute will have shared some small role in its creation. Howard Hall's construction will stress environmental consciousness and sensitivity. Similarly, through use of recycled and donated materials, the art project will reinforce that goal.

Following is a description of the materials I would like to collect.

1. Small objects of all types for a series of shadow boxes having to do with the individual's role in the community at large. I would like for people to contribute some small object that reflects an aspect of their personal philosophy, public role, or professional discipline. How would you represent yourself through a thing? Dimensions: anything under 8" height or width but no more than 5" thick. I will take anything smaller down to the size of a cherry seed. Objects could be of either manufactured or organic origins, but nothing that will decompose.

2. Newspapers of all types from as many international locations as possible, for a series of collage paintings about communication and cultural exchange.

3. Printed, woven and dyed fabric of all styles and cultural backgrounds for a mural-sized painting about collective survival, based on the model of a patchwork quilt. Fabrics can be contributed in the form of clothing, bed sheets, tablecloths or other functional items but will be dismantled to create the work. Fabric that is particularly heavy, stiff or highly textured will probably not work for this project.

All materials contributed will be much appreciated although contributors must understand that, for design reasons, it may be impossible to use some items. If you contribute something and would like to have it returned if it cannot be incorporated into the project, please tag your materials with your contact information. Otherwise all contributions will be permanent and any leftover items will be donated to appropriate venues.

Submissions were received until May, 2003. Smith then created this public art commission in his art studio and in the Hoffman Gallery of Contemporary Art during Summer 2004. The art is now mounted permanently in several locations on first and second floor, Howard Hall.

We hope you enjoy this significant artistic addition to John R. Howard Hall.

Mark R. Smith, Artist
John R. Howard Hall
Public Art Project