Rosie Meindl, visual resources curator at Rhodes, and Hope Hudson, a first-year student, continually work to update a website called the Memphis Art Project (MAP). The site showcases sculptures on the Rhodes campus as well as public artwork in the Memphis community. It is designed by Rhodes alumnus Brian Dixon ’93.
Hudson says the main goal of the project is to make public art in Memphis more accessible and does this by creating “a way to see the art in the community without having to directly visit the pieces.” What’s more, for those hoping to see the pieces in person, the website offers a GPS locator. This makes it even easier for community members to find art in Memphis, adds Meindl.
Funded by Rhodes’ Center for Outreach in the Development of the Arts (CODA), the project is “intended to be student run,” she says. This year, that responsibility has been given to Hudson, who graduated from White Station High School. Having grown up in Memphis, Hudson has connections to the art community and has seen many of the MAP pieces since their installations. She is eager to share the collection with her neighbors and peers.
For students at Rhodes interested in getting involved in the project, they can share photos of public art that they find to be inspirational on Instagram, tagging them #memphisartproject. Furthermore, students should not hesitate to email Hudson (hudah-18@rhodes.edu) with suggestions of pieces they believe should be added.
Meindl and Hudson also are planning a launch event on April 25, 2015. The two hope to engage the whole community of Memphis by collaborating with the Evergreen Art Walk, which will take place the same day. The event will serve as a great opportunity for Rhodes students and Memphis community members alike to come together in support of local artists. Those who are interested in supporting the project will have an opportunity to volunteer the day of the event.
Participants in the launch event also will be given the chance to take part in an Instagram public art challenge. By uploading pictures of public art in Memphis to Instagram and tagging them the Memphis Art Project (#memphisartproject), contestants will be eligible for prizes.
Visit the Memphis Art Project at http://www.memphisart.org/ or follow it on Instagram.
(information compiled by Rhodes Student Associate Sophie Anderson ’15)