The school’s first Gatherade Stand is created and run with fifth grade teacher Ms Johnson, and the students in her class.
The sodas were made in a classroom at the school. The artwork on the cans and the names of the sodas were created through collaging, poetry, and spoken word workshops centered on nettle throughout the spring season. An original video played in the installation, which weaves together collages made by students and original audio recorded during the workshops. The audio was created in collaboration with dj and composer DJ Tikka Masala.
The sodas were available for exchange. Cans were donated to Trash For Peace, who builds community-led and equitable waste reduction and recycling systems in Portland.
Lead Artist and Naturalist: Gilian Rappaport
Teacher and Collaborator: Ms. Johnson
Audio Composer and Collaborator: DJ Tikka Masala
Student Artists: Caeden, Fatina, Matthew, Bella, Rehena, Romero, Zayair, Ana, Amaury, Penelope, Caterina, Romelia, Tayler, Serena, Aden, and Timmy
Many thanks to all those who have supported this work. Thanks to our canner, Mike Lockwood of Duality Brewing. Thanks to ongoing support from Michael Bernard Stevenson, Lisa Jarrett, Harrell Fletcher, Lucia Monge, Lillyanne Pham, Luz Blumenfeld, Mo Geiger, Becca Kauffman, Bex Copper, and Hilary Rappaport.
This work is supported by the Portland State University MFA Program in Art + Social Practice, and KSMoCA.