Dear Stranger,
With Love
Life was tough in 2020. I proposed an interactive exhibition where students, faculty, and others could engage in heartfelt conversation. Titled “Dear Stranger, With Love”, visitors experienced the three stages of social interaction.
Branding
Thoughtful and poetic branding was key for this project. Keeping consistency in the message and scheme was vital to advertise towards not only art students, but the University as a whole. Brand design included logo design, flyers, social media posts and planning, a gallery guide brochure, two stickers, signage, envelopes and stationary, prompt cards, and comment to the artist postcards.
Stage 1
Walking into the space, visitors encountered the first stage. The gallery guide and signage supported them along the way. A large and bold question, “How has a stranger impacted your life?” sat at the top of the wall, with rolls of construction paper and writing utensils sitting to both sides of the title. Attendees were encouraged to write their responses on the construction paper and tape it to the wall. The responses were beautiful, unique, individual, and sometimes silly in their own experiences.
Stage 2
The main attraction, title “Dear Stranger, With Love” acted as the second stage of the exhibit. Again, obvious signage supported those who wished to participate. Attendees were encouraged take a letter from the wall written by a stranger, and in return, write one to take its place. Writers were given creative materials to customize their letters and envelopes. It added a sweet and personalized element to the message they wished to convey. This stage opened up a vulnerable space as well as encouraged a loving and open environment towards strangers who needed it. I am a firm believer in fate and was pleased to hear many people pull letters they felt were really meant for them. Surprisingly, more letters were left at the end than there were to begin.
Stage 3
“Meet a Stranger” was an intimidating experience for those who felt courageous. It was a space that inspired thoughtful conversation with supportive prompt card as it was also a play on time considering nothing tangible could be gained from it like the previous two stages. It created new meaning to an everyday occurance.
The comments and responses were overwhelmingly positive.
Attendees were encouraged to write their thoughts and experiences of the exhibit on the designed “comments to the artist” cards. They could then submit them into a box for me to read later. Names were not necessary, as I wanted those who commented to feel free in their words. It offered great reflection for myself as an artist and an even greater reward.
Note: some comments were left out due to content sensitivity
