On a sunny November afternoon, students gathered around The Stallions statue at Texas State University, armed with colorful trinkets, strings, and their feelings. They were creating a collage that expressed their thoughts on recent political events and protests. This hands-on workshop was led by Jessamyn Plotts, an assistant professor from the School of Art and Design, and part of an exhibition titled “Letting the River Spill.”
Plotts saw The Stallions as a gathering point, where students could not just observe but also voice their emotions creatively. Using the statue as a focal point, participants attached various items to the strings they had laid out, symbolizing how they sensed and perceived the world around them. Each string represented different ways of understanding: observing, interpreting, judging, and so on. As they added to the collage, it became a visual representation of their combined thoughts and feelings.
Plotts emphasized that art should engage with the community instead of being confined to galleries. She believes this interaction helps people connect on a deeper level. “Art needs to be part of society,” she said, showcasing the power of visual communication.
Curiosity buzzed as students walked by, some labeling the piece as “trash” or “beautiful.” Plotts welcomed these reactions; they meant that the artwork elicited genuine emotional responses. For example, David Henderson, a philosophy student, contributed items to the collage, saying the experience made him rethink the statue’s purpose. “I never thought of The Stallions as a platform for conversation until now,” he noted.
However, the event also highlighted challenges around free expression. After officials raised safety concerns about students climbing on the statue, Plotts shifted the collage to surround the base instead. She viewed this as a valuable lesson in understanding boundaries within a university setting.
As the day wrapped up, the completed collage was moved to the Joann Cole Mitte building, continuing to spark conversations. Participants like Jazelle Oliva reflected on how impactful it was to express oneself creatively amidst the chaos of daily life.
The collage is expected to remain on display, becoming a permanent fixture that will continue to prompt discussions about art, expression, and community engagement. It serves not just as an artwork, but as a living dialogue about how we communicate and connect with each other on campus.
In a time when many feel the weight of societal issues, such collaborative art initiatives remind us of the importance of valuing every perspective, making space for expression, and fostering connections that can lead to meaningful change.
For more insights into the collage and its impact, you can explore Jessamyn Plotts’ website.
