THE PROJECT

Shapes: A video installation

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Screens of various shapes and sizes tell a story of two strangers who meet at the beloved neighborhood landmark, The Wishing Bench.
One is a longtime East Lawrence resident, the other an out of towner in a crisis who mistakes the bench for a bus stop.

The bus never comes but their conversation takes them on a journey they'll never forget...

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Or will they? 

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THE LOCATION

East Lawrence's Wishing Bench is an enigmatic landmark of mysterious origins which has been informally adopted by the neighborhood. Objects are added to - and taken away from - its edifice, marking the passage of time.

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Facing a corner of residential housing, art studios, and development, those who sit on the bench seem to stop time and reflect on both the roads they've taken and the paths that lie ahead. 

The transformative nature of the bench evokes comparisons to the states of minds of the film's central characters in this project.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• East Lawrence artist Catherine C. Reed will lead participants in yarn bombing installations on the Wishing Bench and on 9th Street.
  
  

• Neighborhood tales shared in story circles and by research scholars informed the writing of the screenplay. A public staged reading was held prior to filming.
  
  

• Wishes by the community will be gathered online, on a physical wish board, and on video.
  
  

• The actors in the film will be present - and in character -  at the screening to interact with.

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CONTACT

To share:

- feedback on this project,

- East Lawrence memories,

- reflections on the Wishing Bench,

- sign up to yarn bomb

or find out how you can get involved,

please email: 

or fill out the form below:

Funded by a Rebuilding East Ninth grant, made possible by Artplace America in partnership with the Lawrence Arts Center and the City of Lawrence, KS.