I love art. I also love random acts of kindness, like the post-it note pay-it-forward phenomenon happening at a pizzeria in Philadelphia. So how about this group of kind-spirited folks who go by the name of Art Abandonment? They are coupling guerrilla art with RAOKs in a beautiful way. Instead of grand installations of art for the public eye, the members of this group make individual pieces and leave them for others to randomly find. I absolutely adore the idea that I might stumble upon a creative token that was left behind simply to brighten my day.
monster art via facebook.com/groups/ArtAbandonment/
The man at the helm of this endeavor is Michael deMeng, who’s been abandoning sketched napkins and charcoal drawings for the past decade in Eugene, Oregon. He says the idea started when he posted a few pictures of his abandonments on Facebook and friends who saw them starting encouraging him to create a group that might connect like-minded abandoners. That move gained momentum, and now Art Abandonment is happening all across the globe; the current membership of this particular group on Facebook totals around 25,000 people! The group is open to everyone, and even if you never create a single thing to abandon, it’s such a great feel-good site to browse.
heart art via facebook.com/groups/ArtAbandonment/
Traditional pieces of art like painting and drawings abound, but members also abandon jewelry, pottery, garden and home décor, books and zines, and even rocks! Whole families are getting involved (I noticed a clay figure created and abandoned by a 7-year-old) and abandoning their art in libraries, parks, restaurants, subways … anywhere there might be a flow of pedestrian traffic. Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sad and tragic news of the world, visit the Art Abandonment Facebook page for a pick-me-up. And if you want to join in, you’ll find all the details on the Facebook page as well.
Art Abandonment cards via facebook.com/groups/ArtAbandonment/
It’s a nice reminder that there are good people doing good things all across the world.
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This is such a cool movement and a clever way to make people think, ART. I like it that all ages can participate and the art pieces vary in theme. You are right, Meg, it does feel good to remember that there are good people doing good things in our world and close to home!
Meg,
I love this! When unspeakable tragedy hit our little town three years ago, a similar concept was done, in the form of ” Bens Bells”, now a nationwide movement.
Handmade strung bells and beads were made. They were hung here and there, for passers by to find. It brought comfort and joy, and now Bens Bells has a permanent location in town and do workshops. I still have mine I found, and things like this mean a lot! Great post. Farmgirl hugs to you and your mom!