Community Engagement

Artist as Scribe – interactive public art installation

A collaboration with ASU Public History Department and Burton Barr Public Library, Phoenix, AZ

This public memory project opened dialogue about the future of the American naval base in Cuba. By exploring its past we can begin to identify solutions to its future. Eleven universities around the United States were invited to present their research. Artist Joan Baron was invited by ASU scholar Nancy Dallett to create an interactive element for the library installation.  Her concept was to play the part of Scribe…one who writes and records personal experiences, thoughts, questions and concerns. She inscribed words and fragments of text onto clay that were then fired and provided to attendees to attach to the wire fencing.