Students, staff and faculty are able to leave their mark on a wall inside the ASUU office.
It all began as an idea for an art project by student Julia Burraston. She listened to her Art History professor explain the history and meaning surrounding the infamous Cueva de las Manos, or translated — Cave of Hands — which is located in Río Pinturas, Argentina.
“We were here, we matter,” said Burraston regarding Cueva de las Manos. It is believed that the Argentinians were attempting to make their presence not only known, but remembered by leaving their first handprints on the wall of the cave.”
The first cave hand paintings of Cueva de las Manos, had been created between 9,500 – 13,000 years ago by hunter-gatherer communities in Argentina. The purpose of the early painting was a way for the people of that time to essentially leave their mark at that moment in history.
“I thought, how cool would it be if we had something like that on campus, and my art teacher loved the idea,” said Burraston.
Burraston, along with fellow classmate Natalie Parkin, executed the idea as their collaborative art final for their LEAP humanities course.
“Natalie was instrumental in the implementation of this project,” said Burraston. Parkin and Burraston attended numerous meetings and spent time lobbying for the cause.
“Everyone who is involved with the university is able to be a part of this,” said Burraston. Everyone, not just freshmen or students, is able to participate and leave their print.
“It’s our way of saying we were here, we matter,” said Parkin.
The original thought for the design was that each class would be represented by a color of paint but then staff and faculty members wanted to join in. There weren’t enough colors to go around to keep everyone separated so the wall has evolved into what it is today.
The wall is still being developed and will continue as a work in progress. There will be a sign placed above the mural that will include the title, “We Were Here.”
Burraston is hoping that during Welcome Week they will be able to start adding handprints to the wall again. If they’re unable to host it at that time, it will be done within the first month of the fall semester. As far as specific dates, there aren’t any set just yet. There will be a day at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters for those who would like to place their handprint on the wall.
Burraston asks that those who are interested in participating to keep an eye out for the official announcement for dates.
The goal is that the wall will continue to be updated every year and, with the assistance of ASUU, will be a longstanding tradition for many years to come.
“It’s our way of making our mark and reaching out to future generations,” said Parkin.
“I would like to thank everyone who was involved with this project,” said Burraston “A huge shout-out to them.”
@ashatthechrony