2009, clay, cast paper and mixed media; dimensions variable.
Haapapuro created a monumental portrait of her recently deceased brother while serving as the Sculptor in Residence at Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site in Cornish, NH. Returning to Dayton she invited the public to contribute to an installation about mourning at the Dayton Convention Center. Hundreds of people shared mementos of their loved ones made during free workshops throughout the three month open studio project.
Participants used fabric, photo transfer paper and a variety of materials provided by the artist to create mementos of their loved ones. Framed with embroidery hoops, the memories covered the walls until the exhibitʼs closing celebration when people came to collect them. The process of sharing experiences, and of responding to emotions by making something concrete, fostered a sort of intimacy between former strangers.
