This weekend, we broke from typical studio work to volunteer at the Reynolds Avenue Homecoming event in North Charleston with the nonprofit Metanoia. As part of our Introduction to Craft class, we have been constructing temporary installations designed by students in Bradford’s studio to engage Reynolds community members. Four designs represented four distinct activity hubs (“porches”) as follows:
“Porch 1: How We Got Here” shared a brief history of improvements made along Reynolds Avenue and future plans already in the works. A skeletal house frame and porch complete with rocking chairs served as both a gallery and resting area for reflection.
“Porch 2: What We’ve Got” displayed color-coded maps summarizing the assets already available in the Reynolds Avenue area.
“Porch 3: Faces of Reynolds” used polaroid cameras to fill screened walls with portraits of community members while sharing cost of living statistics and gathering feedback.
“Porch 4: Reynolds on Record” invited residents into sound booths to record their experiences living in the community and their thoughts for the future.
Overall, the event was a success, and (unlike the setup day before) we were blessed with beautiful weather!
