Union Square is a major historic NYC gathering place. The first thing we needed to do was secure an appropriate location for our photographer whose big ring flash ran on power. Due to the nature of the event, we felt it was wrong to rent a generator, most of which run on gasoline. We couldn't find a local business or building willing to share electricity. Not easily deterred, we spotted an outlet camouflaged by brush on a Con Ed box in the Square's garden area.
We used sidewalk chalk to direct people over to where the event was set up, near a small and beautiful fountain, which made a great backdrop since our event was about water to begin with. We provided "oil," recycled poster board and markers. The creativity and profound thoughts of the people provided the rest. One woman even brought stuffed animals and dipped them in the fake oil, then put on a puppet show for passers by. Our official "studio hours" were from 5:30-7:00. But, we had some waiting their turns until we ran out of poster board at 8:00. We have a total of 115 portraits which we'll soon have on display here.
WBAI news as well as NBC news stopped and talked to us.
While we reached many, it was somewhat discouraging to see large groups of beautiful and aloof people just walking by, too busy to stop or listen or care about what was going on in their ocean. But overall, the event was a success and we look forward to finding new ways to use art in activism which is a great and very productive manner in which to spread our message.
NYC World Can't Wait report by Jessica and Stephanie.
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