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Help each other project The project extends a simple message into the world: "Help each other". It promotes only the message with no other agenda or affiliation. The project was born in the pandemic and manifests in two parts. First, as a daily installation of a "Help each other" sign in found locations by the artist. Sometimes contemplative, sometimes confrontative, but almost always unexpected. Remarkably, most are still in place. Some are even cared for by strangers. The second part of the project is the "Please take one" installations. These installations are purchased by hosts and are usually set up in the hosts' front yard. Passerby's are asked (via a sign) to “Please take one” (of ten) “Help each other” signs to then put in their yard, turning the message into a community action throughout the neighborhood (see below to participate). To date 1,000’s of signs have been installed throughout the United States. A little more about the project... In March 2020 we were told to “stay home to help”. I did my part (we even turned the mosnart visiting artist residency spaces into shelter-in-place and healthcare worker lodging) but felt somewhat helpless spending days in the studio while the world seemed to be falling apart. It seemed to me the best thing we could do is “Help each other”. I began to plan my days around the message and bringing it out of the studio. One of the best days with the project was a day spent replacing political campaign signs with “Help each other” signs. A clear, cathartic, action. Another highlight was when one of the “Help each other” signs was legitimately placed in Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s City Hall office, and yet another highlight was when Heidi Stevens wrote a story about the project and it was launched across the united states. At some point in the project, something wonderful happened... People started asking how they could help/participate. In response, the DIY "Please take one" installation kits were created for folks to install in their front yards to share signs with their community and neighbors. The kit includes ten “Help each other” and one "Please take one" sign. Here is an example of a: DIY "Please take one" installation. 
We ask our DIY hosts to cover the cost $50. The price includes shipping anywhere in the continental US. We make absolutely no money on this. It is simply a way for people to help with the project and bring it forward. Please contact if you would like to participate The Help each other project has been shown in many art venues and part of many events over the last year including: Chicago Humanities Fest - Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) The Museum of Contemporary Art (Chicago MCA) - Community outreach program Riverside Arts Center + Freeark Gallery - "Unseen Things Are Still There" Curated by Joanne Aono "SWELL" South Shore Arts - Curated by Lauren M. Pacheco "Help each other installation at the Mead Public Library" Sheboygan, Wisconsin - Curated by Erica Jane Huntzinger Buddy at the Chicago Cultural Center (you may purchase individual "Help each other" signs here. hi-buddy.org and many others... |
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