Politically Correct?

Just re-read my last post. Yep.. I'm a nostalgic.

The last few weeks I'd hoped to chat with officials at UNC about my proposed art installation, but that has not happened. The blog has been pretty quiet and even though my idea remains steadfast, I'm hoping I can find the politically correct way to make a proposal to the powers that be on campus that will be acceptable.

I've not seen a lot of art on the Greeley campus. One impressive installation is a circle of huge 'hinges' that stand to the north of Gunter Hall that reflect the style of Claes Oldenburg. Of course, I love it and wonder what its history might be.

If I stabilize my cairn and install it, hopefully, on the old campus, I'd hope that discussion about what it is and why it's there would ensue.

School will be in session for Fall soon. It'll be interesting to hear proposals that the UNC Foundation may have received for an actual tribute to the Bear Totem.

Ideas?

Fifth of July

Recently, I realized that 'tradition' is simply nostalgia made manifest. Some of us are wired for a connection to sometimes silly stuff that reminds us of the past. Yesterday in Greeley was the Fourth of July Parade.. or whatever they call it these days. At this time of year I always think of the friends with whom I helped to build a float for the parade sponsored by the BPOE 809.. The Elks! Our Explorer Post 809 was depended upon to come up with a design and then execute it with a budget from the Elks Lodge. We did the Elks float for many years, usually being beaten out for first prize by the Rainbow Girls! The nostalgic memory I just had speaks to the simplicity of the times. The Elks Club had a credit account at a hardware store down on 8th Avenue. I needed a nut and bolt for something that cost a nickel! I'm remembering the patience with which ..possibly the store ownere.. filled out a receipt for the nickel and charged it to the Elks account. That might have been in 1955 or '56. Time flies.

I mention this because my idea to put my own artwork up as a tribute to Totem Teddy is something that I spark to from a very nostalgic point of view. My ego is involved, of course. I'm grateful that Judge Lynn Karowsky came up with the title "ReIncairnation" and I'm sticking with it. It's a connection to my past and I just don't want to let it go.

Recently, an official at UNC reminded me that it seems as though every department on campus has to look out for itself. I've been referred to UNC President Kay Norton and Dr. Abe Harraf Sr. VP and Provost of UNC, who may have final say about this idea. President Norton has not shown much interest in me or my artwork. I have not been in touch with Dr. Harraf.

I still can't understand why my donation of a relatively harmless work of art would be a big deal. I'm completely supportive of any idea to advance tradition on the UNC campus. My memories of growing up in Greeley are deep within me. It's my desire to spend my own time and money to install art which may be a source for discussion from what 'art is and what it's supposed to do' to whether or not it's even appropriate to remind people why we are the Bears.

I have enjoyed the acceptance of UNC over the years. Currently, I'm hoping that someone will see the value of my donation and will be a local champion to simply accept my gift.

This post may be a bit redundant. I do apologize. The goal is to simply keep the idea alive and to let readers know that I'm prepared to come to Greeley and make my contribution to Tradition at UNC.

Input here is always welcome. I'm always open to suggestions.

Michael