Receiving kindness is one thing; getting a chance to share it with those around you is another. UVU students and Presidential Interns Olivia Blackwell and Arawyn Walter have created that chance through their temporary art installation called “Together We Rise.”
Receiving kindness is one thing; getting a chance to share it with those around you is another. UVU students and Presidential Interns Olivia Blackwell and Arawyn Walter have created that chance through their temporary art installation called “Together We Rise.”
In the wake of recent tragedies on campus, Blackwell and Walter wanted to create a project to remind students of all the good that still surrounds them, even in the midst of hardship.
“Our mission when creating this…can be summarized in one word, which is uplift,” Blackwell said. She explained the symbolism behind the project’s angel wing design, speaking on how we can rise above current circumstances and take a wider view to see all the good that surrounds us.
“We decided to go with the imagery of wings because of that idea of uplifting,” she said.
Blackwell and Walter constructed “Together We Rise” following inspiration from UVU leadership to spread positivity and kindness. The duo decided to make a set of angel wings and use art as a way to inspire others. The art installation allows students to interact with the piece itself.
The two students set up tables in front of the installation two days a week, equipped with sticky notes for passing students to write down acts of kindness seen around campus. Those sticky notes are then placed on the wall surrounding the angel wings. Dozens of sticky notes are currently next to the wings with different messages of positivity seen both on and off campus.
“What we want to do is have students actually take pictures with the installation, post it on Instagram, and kind of spread kindness not just on campus, but everywhere,” Walter said.
When asked about what impact she hoped the project would have on students, Blackwell said, “I hope that this project really just gives students hope and the realization that they have the power to make good things happen…There are a lot of things we can’t control…but what we can control is being kind.”
One student described feeling good about the project’s creation and being able to write a note for the wall, saying, “It was hard to choose one act of kindness that I’ve seen around me, but it felt really good to write it down…I just think it’s such a great idea and such a great project.”
Walter said creating “Together We Rise” helped her discover how her art allowed her to cope with trying times. “Honestly, I think the biggest thing is...finding creative, artistic outlets to help me cope with everything that’s happening,” she said.
