Painting strokes build "The Human Connection"

calendar icon28 Jul 2021    

Lincoln, Neb.--University of Nebraska–Lincoln students added their painting strokes to a canvas on April 26 to build “The Human Connection.”

The event was organized by Alex Cathcart, a junior mathematics major focusing in finance and statistics; Taylor Hoskinson, a sophomore advertising and public relations major; and Jack Dobson, a freshman psychology major. It was sponsored by the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts Undergraduate Student Advisory Board. 

They set up a canvas on the Meiers Commons, the green space just north of the Nebraska Union and asked passersby to contribute a single paint stroke to the canvas. 

“With each person’s addition, the painting will grow until the entire canvas is filled,” Cathcart said.

Hannah Mason, a junior theatre performance major and member of the Hixson-Lied Undergraduate Student Advisory Board, said they were eager to support the project.

“Quite honestly, there was no reason not to sponsor the event,” she said. “As arts students in all areas, we all understand the neglect that the arts community has faced this past year due to the pandemic and how we have often been pushed aside, so we were eager for the opportunity to create again and reinforce the idea that art is still very much alive.”

Cathcart hoped it was a chance for people to reconnect with their community during tough times.

“I hope this project will serve as a lasting reminder that, even though it may not always feel like it, we are all connected,” he said. “Each of our unique temperaments, talents and convictions adds to our community, and because of those differences, our campus (in this case, the painting) becomes more beautiful.”

The final painting will be installed in the offices of Big Red Resilience & Well-Being in the University Health Center at 550 N. 19th St.