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G2S Project Code: 2016-CT-77975
State: Connecticut
Fiscal Year: 2016
Grantee
WALLINGFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Jane Fisher
Director Phone: 203-265-6754
Director Email: jfisher@wallingfordlibrary.org
General Information
Title: REPRESENT Community Art Project
State Project Code:
Start Date: 02/01/2017
End Date: 09/30/2017
Abstract: REPRESENT was a six-week community art project inspired by PostSecret (https://postsecret.com/). Under the guidance of professional artist Rashmi Talpade, families collaboratively created postcards which answer the question “What makes you special?” through a combination of images and text. The library provided take home packets to those unable to participate in person. The library held a kickoff event on July 1 featuring an improvisational theatre workshop. Completed postcards, arranged to evoke a rainbow, were exhibited in a final celebration at the library on September 9, 2017.

This program was developed through the CT State Library’s pilot project, EXCITE Transformation for Libraries.


State Goal: Literacies and learning
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$2,000.00
$0.00
$1,546.03
$3,546.03
Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Postcard sessions
Narrative: Parents, grandparents, children, siblings, other relatives and friends collaboratively created original postcards showcasing the uniqueness of their families using a combination of images and text. During small group sessions, professional artist Rashmi Talpade guided participants in both art techniques and sources of inspiration.

The artist explained the concept at the start of each session, emphasizing that no two people or families are the same. She encouraged participants to think about their own life stories and to create something that conveys what is special about their lives.
 
The resulting postcards featured a wide variety of images and themes, but the ones that stood out include family pride, love for the town of Wallingford, pets, summer, being outside, and favorite places/vacations. When they were gathered together and spread out by the colors of the rainbow, the postcards emphasized that the community is comprised of individuals and families each with a special story.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 45
Number of sessions in program: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 5
Number of times program administered: 24


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Suburban
For what age groups: All Ages
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: Yes
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: No


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: WALLINGFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 200 NORTH MAIN ST.
City: WALLINGFORD
State: CT
Zip: 06492
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 7
Agree: 3
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 3
Disagree: 2
Strongly Disagree: 1
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 5
Agree: 4
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 5
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 5
Agree: 3
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 3
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 4
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 7
Agree: 4
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 4
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 7
Agree: 5
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 4
Activity Details
Title: Kickoff event and final celebration
Narrative: The kick-off event focused on the idea that each person is unique, and yet they have common ground from living in the same community. Teaching artist Rashmi Talpade discussed the postcard project, specifically how and why to participate. Anthony DePoto of innerAct Theatre led an improvisation workshop that made people feel instantly comfortable being themselves. The kickoff was attended by a number of families, and the room was full of engaged people laughing and sharing.
 
The final celebration focused on the unveiling of the collected postcards united in a rainbow arrangement in the library's community room. It was an open house during which individuals and families dropped by to see the exhibit, have refreshments, and view a video of the project. Attendees enjoyed looking for their own postcard in the exhibit as well as checking out the creations of others. The exhibit remained publicly available for a month.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 2
Average number in attendance per session: 40
Number of times program administered: 1


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: WALLINGFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 200 NORTH MAIN ST.
City: WALLINGFORD
State: CT
Zip: 06492
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
While the individual postcard collages were the output of this project, the outcomes were the sharing and storytelling that took place between and among families in each session. Members of the community learning about and from each other was the real, and lovely, outcome of this project.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Families are looking for ways to meaningfully connect with one another. All ages hands-on programs with broad topical appeal are a good way to meet this need, and the library will offer more multigenerational hands-on programs similar to this.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
1. The library intentionally selected an artist known to have a wonderful way of making people feel comfortable “playing” with art without being intimidated by the notion of “being artistic.” 2. Hands-on programs with a low barrier to entry that engage participants’ creativity are in demand across all age groups. The adult participants were overjoyed to be able to be part of a fun and accessible art project that allowed them to connect with family members of all ages.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
No
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
Yes
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: EXCITE, community, Making