community crosswords
As Parallel U’s contribution to “Extraordinarily Ordinary” a three month rotating exhibition series in PSU’s White Gallery we installed a series of giant crossword puzzles for anyone passing by to help complete. The response was significant. Crosswords are usually done in a solitary fashion, yet they can be a perfect vehicle for multiple people to contribute their knowledge. While one person my have a deep knowledge of sports, someone else might know all about old movies,or pop culture, this sharing of knowledge can complete the puzzle and simultaneously provide an entertaining catalyst for sharing what we know out loud and one on one.
In this case we used an oversized crossword, and a huge pencil to draw attention to the participatory nature of the installation. Also this gave an opportunity to write on a gallery wall; not something we are normally encouraged to do. We can perform a community crossword anywhere, and on any scale, for example you might want to ask for help with a puzzle while waiting at the DMV, or on the bus? You might want to keep an unfinished puzzle with you at all times, you never know when an opportunity will arise- for instance you could get help from other bikers while you are stuck on the bridge waiting for a ship to pass under, or waiting in line at the grocery store.
Class Summary: Ask for help with your crossword.