Public Art Commission
Howard Center for the
Social Sciences
Artist Mark Smith

Over the past six months, 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, and three semi-finalists were reviewed by Art Committee members Debra Beers, Cliff Beckar, Robert Eisinger, and Ted Vogel, faculty; Amy Lillis, ASLC vice president for student academic affairs (SAAB); Annie Wachsler, Campus Planning; Stuart Horodner, Visual Arts Curator, Portland Institute of Contemporary Art, Peggy Kendellen, RACC; and Linda Brady Tesner, Director, Hoffman Gallery of Contemporary Art.

The Art Committee commissioned Portland artist Mark R. Smith to create this public art. Mark made a public presentation about his plans on Tuesday, March 18, 6 p.m., Templeton Student Center, Council Chamber.

The letter which follows to the Lewis and Clark College community is written by Mark Smith, inviting each of us 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.

You may submit your materials at any of the following locations on campus:

---Hoffman Gallery of Contemporary Art, Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
---Office of the Dean of the College, Albany Hall, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
---Office of Residence Life, Templeton Student Center, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
---Office of the Provost, Frank Manor, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, May 9, 5 p.m.

Thanks for your support.

Mark R. Smith, Artist
Howard Center for the Social Sciences
Public Art Project