We decided to pick an area of the quad between the HRC and Hinkle to place our public art. This spot is known around campus to all different types of people. Many people venture to the HRC to play basketball, grab a delicious smoothie, to workout, use the pool or the sauna, or even just to hang out with friends. Many people also surround Hinkle for not only all athletic events, but sports have practices over there. We decided this would be a prime spot to place public art since it is frequently used by staff as well. Our idea is to create a huge three lane treadmill-like machine, similar to a moving sidewalk, just faster, that will circle a huge 3 story rocket like-climbing bar device in the shape of a man we would like to call “Jungle Jim”. We thought the name was cute because he would have bars all around him to climb just like the old days on the playground when we used to play on jungle gyms. The figure would be wearing a Butler hat to represent school spirit.
When we envisioned this public art the reason we chose an outside venue because we really think older kids, especially college students, rarely have the opportunity to “play” outside or get fresh air. Most workouts, unless participating in a sport, involve being inside and now this gives everyone a chance to participate in a fun activity and workout running on the outdoor treadmills. It also gives students a chance to go into their childhood memories and fun times on the playground from back in the day. It gives everyone a chance to access their inner child back when things were a lot simpler, and more relaxing. We thought this was an important thing considering many college students deal with stress, pressure and so much going on that there is little time for relaxing fun. As a child, this outdoor activity was a huge sense of relief for any burden a kid could be feeling. Now with this "Jungle Jim” available, college students can release some of their tension by heading back to a life of fun and innocence for a couple hours. We felt this piece of public art would bring a community aspect because the various amount of people would be able to join together in this spontaneous group fitness activity.
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