Lawn Art Speaks to Imago Deo And Uniqueness of Neighbors



My 2022 exhibit for Lawn Art With Neighbors is a little exhibit I've named: "Welcome to my Colorful Neighborhood."

Each colorful piece on display was signed and created by residents of our neighborhood (or special friends) using the "spin art" method for abstract art. Every square or heart is colored differently because of the choices made by that particular artist about colors, spin speed, and the number of spins.

The art has been attached to cedar picket fence panels that harken back to the old idea of yards with picket fences. It is a visual representation of a neighborhood.

So visually, we see with this project that every person is uniquely created but we are joined together in a neighborhood. We are stronger when working together and I would say prettier too!

My "Welcome to my Colorful Neighborhood" sculpture is a powerful reminder of the importance of neighbors but also understanding the Imago Deo.

We live in a culture where we are always in a hurry and we hide behind phones and garage doors that cause us to avoid neighborly interaction. It is hard to love your neighbor if you do not see your neighbor. We have to see your neighbors.

My neighbors have successes and they have hurts. My neighbors are not a bunch of faceless nobodies. They are made in the image of God (Imago Deo) and they have names.

Every person in my neighborhood has been marked by the finger of God and made in God's image. They have tremendous value. But they also have needs.

Francis Schaeffer (author) refers to humans as "glorious ruins." When we forget our neighbors are glorious ruins it is easy to do one of three things, according to Chris and Elizabeth McKinney in their book, "Placed for a Purpose." 1. When we see only glory, we envy them. 2. When we see only ruin, we judge them. 3. When we do not see them at all, we ignore them.

What do you see when you see your neighbors? Are any of them non-neighbors do you?

Your neighbors have gifts and abilities. They also have needs and weaknesses. Both a glory that motivates our respect and ruin that motivates our compassion.

These are my wonderful neighbors. Welcome to my colorful neighborhood.

HISTORY OF L.A.W.N.

Along with the invigorating energy of Spring, Lawn Art With Neighbors (LAWN) is popping up near you from April 23 to May 8, 2022, with front lawn art created by your neighbors in Greene County and especially around Springfield, Mo.

LAWN thrives as a public art opportunity open to all community members and art forms. LAWN exhibitions include sculptures, paintings, installations, video projections, podcasts, social practice projects, and more.

LAWN brings a whole new array of front yard projects and some recurring sites located in Springfield and other communities in Greene County like Republic, Ash Grove, Willard, Battlefield, Strafford and Fair Grove.

LAWN was founded and organized by Deidre Argyle, Jodi McCoy, and Shauna Smith. Current sponsors are Sculpture Walk Springfield, Springfield Art Museum, Missouri State University: Art + Design Department and University of Missouri Extension (Greene County).

Take a stroll, bike ride, or cruise and enjoy artwork brought to you by your neighbors April 23 - May 8.  The LAWN site map and viewing suggestions to locate the artworks nearest you are online at https://sculpturewalkspringfield.org/sculptures/lawn-art-with-neighbors.

AFTER LAWN IS OVER

After LAWN is over, the "Welcome to my Colorful Neighborhood" sculpture will move from 2311 E Kentwood Street to the corner of Bailey and Kentwood. It will become a temporary neighborhood entrance. It will set on land owned by the City of Republic. It will be mulched around and will serve as an artistic gateway into our neighborhood for a year until replaced by a different display in 2023. Solar spotlights have been purchased that will help to keep the display lighted.

If you have questions contact David Burton by email at burtond@missouri.edu or by text at 417-848-3442.





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