Artwork > Community Art Workshops > Youth Workshops
Brighter Together, 2018
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
I was honored to be commissioned by the Jewish Arts Collaborative to create a large-scale art installation at the Museum of Fine Arts during their annual Hanukkah celebration. For the months leading up to the event I worked with over 130 middle school students from 8 schools/programs to create over 500 individual pieces that were then included in the installation. 3500 people of all ages are estimated to have visited the museum during the event and over 500 of them contributed to the installation by decorating a lightbulb with glowing markers to "add their light," by sharing things that brighten their day on a sticky note and adding it to create the word "SHINE," and by participating in a scavenger hunt to collect beads and and them on slinkies suspended from the center hoop.
Read below for the full artist statement for this giant glowing artwork displayed at the museum!
Brighter Together
A collaborative, interactive blacklight experience
Mixed media, 2018
About the Art
Our world is a brighter place when everyone’s light comes together. In the center of the room, the eight suspended columns (plus one in the center) represent the eight branches of the Menorah or Hanukkiah, a candelabra lit during the holiday. The center column represents the ninth branch of the menorah, called the Shamash (“helper”), which is the candle used to light all the others. Enhance the light of the Shamash by attaching beads collected from the scavenger hunt; and add your images and words to embrace the idea that we are ‘Brighter Together.'
The suspended artwork was created by over 130 middle school students from diverse backgrounds; and each streamer was tied on by a participating student artist. Their work includes unique doodles, patterns, and drawings representing how they “add light” in their home and school environments. Look closely at the black and white chains for an invisible ink surprise from the students sharing examples for bringing out the hidden light in others.
About the Artists
Over 130 middle school student artists from eight groups partnered with Tova on this project.
Many thanks to all the student artists from:
Browne Middle School in Chelsea
Divas mentoring divas in Dorchester
The Jewish Community Day School in Watertown
Josiah Quincy Vivaldi Orchestra in Boston
Maimonides School in Brookline
The Rashi School in Dedham
Solomon Schechter Day School in Newton
Timilty Middle School in Roxbury
Thanks to Emily Bhargava, Ashley Buckholtz, Anyahlee Suderman, and Marriah Vengroff for their installation support.
View a slideshow of the student workshops here.
Read 275 ideas (from middle school students) for how to help bring out the hidden light in themselves and others. A sample:
How can you bring out the hidden light in others?
Be unexpectedly generous
I can show them their wonderfulness
A bright smile makes others happy
By believing in them
Give hugs and give them often
Always be open to making new friends
Be respectful and don't judge other people's dreams, wishes, and thoughts
I will show people how important they are
When I stand up for my best friend
Give them a chance to shine
How can others help bring out your hidden light?
They can help by making me feel like part of the community
You can try to really get to know me and what I like
When they show that they care about me
They can help make me feel comfortable
By really listening
If people make me laugh, give me advice, and maybe even food, I could show my hidden light
Sometimes I just need someone to do nothing with
By accepting me for who I am not who they want me to be
Make me laugh to let my light shine
Show me you won't make fun of my true self