As we emerge from the pandemic bewildered, lost, and changed, there is a need to understand why our communities feel so different, what our place is within community, and how we are supposed to participate, now that the “before times” are well beyond our reach. There’s an itch in the air—a collective cabin fever, if you will—that wrinkles the social fabrics as we scratch at the surface of our estranged communities, wondering if we ever really knew what “community” was in the first place.

In this dialogue, we seek to explore the diversity of our various understandings for what community is and how we choose to participate within community. The first portion of the dialogue will take place at the Arts So Wonderful Gallery, located in the South Burlington University Mall right next to Target.

After exploring our past experiences within community, we will engage in a shared activity by installing a series of murals painted on canvas during the Juneteenth celebrations. These murals will be installed on a chain-link fence down at the Burlington waterfront next to the Moran Frame. Food will be provided as we live and share in this experience together.

Following the art installation, we will return to Arts So Wonderful to reflect on our shared activity and discuss how our understanding of “community” has changed based on this collective experience and what we have explored through dialogue together.

Along the way, we hope to reconcile the shifting zeitgeist of our time by holding our various perspectives on community in humility and with respect for those who are with us. And as our shared experience fills the room, we believe that everyone present can walk away with an understanding that is greater than the sum of its parts. All we need to do is listen to each other with curiosity and empathy.

We are excited for you to join us in this unique experience.