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It starts with a seed
Seeing oneself represented in campus art goes beyond visual aesthetics; it shapes a student’s sense of self, belonging, and potential, influencing their overall college experience in profound and personal ways. Public art installations aid us in our understanding of the past as well as our vision for the future. Witnessing individuals who look like you depicted in art sends the message that people from your background can achieve great things, breaking down barriers and inspiring a sense of possibility and potential.
UW Tacoma proudly celebrates the racial and ethnic backgrounds of our students and proclaims “You Belong Here.” What We Tend Will Grow will be an outdoor sculptural installation in a prominent campus location on the theme of 'belonging' that will welcome the rich, complex experiences of our students and community members.
'Belonging at the table'
What We Tend Will Grow, created by South Sound artist Aisha Harrison, will feature a figure seated on a bench resembling tree roots at a large round table. An infant is nestled on the figure’s back. The tabletop before them is filled with inset bowls which contain small sculptural objects that represent seeds. These seeds will represent the actions, goals and aspirations that participants make during more than 17 interactive seed sessions that Aisha is hosting at UW Tacoma and with community groups around Tacoma.
About Aisha Harrison
Aisha Harrison is an early-career, Black artist and this will be her first large-scale public installation. Harrison has roots in Olympia, going back four generations. She has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Grinnell College in Iowa, a BFA from Washington State University, and an MFA from University of Nebraska. Her work has been shown at museums in California and New Hampshire, and locally on Bainbridge Island, in Olympia and Seattle.
Learn more about the the artist at: aishaharrison.com
More information
For additional information about supporting this project, please contact Barbara Bartolatz.
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Workshop: Make A Seed for the Table
We invite you to take your “seat at the table,” and join a workshop at the Tacoma Art Museum to create a seed to be included in the artwork. This event is free but space is limited. Admission to the museum is free during this event.
Thursday, May 2, 2024 from 5 - 8 p.m.
Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA
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Why your contribution matters
Representation in campus art is not just about visual aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in fostering a supportive, inclusive, and enriching educational environment for all students. In a world that is progressively diverse and interconnected, students are better equipped for life beyond the campus when they have exposure to a variety of art forms. It empowers them with the ability to navigate and appreciate different perspectives, essential skills in diverse workplaces and communities.
Having everyone “at the table” fosters diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and shows that everyone is valued.
Gifts to this project are through the Milgard Building Fund.
