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Help each other project The project extends a single message into the world: "Help each other". It promotes only the message with no other agenda or affiliation. It was started in 2020 and contiunes to this day. The project 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 individuals (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 a 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 individual DIY hosts to cover the cost $50. The price includes shipping anywhere in the continental US. We make absolutely no profit 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. If you are an institution/municipality interested in an artist installed installation please let me know as well. Today the project has taken on even more relevancy. The Help each other project has been shown in many art venues and part of many events throughout the United States including: Chicago Humanities Fest The Museum of Contemporary Art (Chicago MCA) - Community outreach program Bridgeport Art Center Riverside Arts Center + Freeark Gallery - Curated by Joanne Aono "SWELL" South Shore Arts - Curated by Lauren M. Pacheco Mead Public Library (Sheboygan, Wisconsin) - Curated by Erica Jane Huntzinger American Labor Museum City of Staunton and many, many others... Buddy at the Chicago Cultural Center (you may purchase individual "Help each other" signs here. hi-buddy.org |
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