By: Grette Buttner

On September 21, Winsor hosted Elisa H. Hamilton for the weekly assembly. Hamilton is a 

socially engaged multimedia artist, who creates art that helps people discover their 

identities and uplifts historically underrepresented peoples. Hamilton, who identifies as black and bi-racial described that she felt a constant sense of alienation as she grew up in a predominantly white area.  

Hamilton always knew that she wanted to be an artist and found belonging through art.  She now helps others discover this feeling as well through the art that she creates. She emphasized community centered art made not only for but also in cooperation with the community. Her art is usually interactive, bringing a unique physical experience into art as well as ensuring that everyone can experience and create art together. During her presentation,Hamilton spoke about her first interactive, community-centered art piece. The Dance Spots (2012-2018) were small colorful chalk-drawn areas with footprints indicating the steps to a dance routine. Hamilton then cranked up the music and invited people to dance on the Dance Spots with her. Hamilton described that the inspiration behind this project came from her daily walks over a big bridge in a wide open space where she just wanted to dance. However, all the other commuters appeared tired and unenergetic. She hoped to create a space for these commuters and people all over New England to let loose, build community and experience joy in their everyday lives. She undoubtedly succeeded in bringing brightness into people’s days in the Boston area and was commissioned to create Dance Spots all over New England. Although this piece was temporary, it left everyone with permanent memories of a great time. 

Then, Hamilton gave us each a card with a question about ourselves like “Share a story about a favorite meal and what made it special” or “ Share a story about an article of clothing you have or used to have.” We were then asked to share that story with a partner. “This experience showed us that art can be communal as well as individual and that our art can help build community.”- Winsor student. It helped us discover new things about each other and talk to different people. This activity then led into another one of her projects, Jukebox. Jukebox is a 1980’s jukebox transformed into one that allows you to listen to the recorded stories of underrepresented people in the Cambridge community. It resides in the Cambridge Foundry located at 101 Rogers Street, where people can listen together. 

Hamilton greatly inspired everyone with her thoughtful words and beautiful work. Thank you Student Association for Fine Arts for organizing this amazing experience, and we excitedly await Hamilton’s next project!