Hawley's Story
As the Director of Education at the BRIC Rotunda I was invited to teach several classes at PS 119 in Brooklyn NY. Known as the Magnet School of Global & Ethical Studies, they are dedicated to fostering within students the abilities and self-confidence to develop academic and social skills.
I was highly excited about the opportunity and excited to bring the Fundred Dollar Bill Project to these 5th graders. At first introduction, it made total sense to them; they couldn’t wait to get their hands dirty.
Fundreds are Fun! Fundreds are Smart! Fundreds are Art and Activism!
The Fundreds offer a way to become an expert in an important nationwide art and environmental “happening.” This is a project that made my work as a teacher simple! Fundred became a catalyst for reflection on the real life connections to people, landscapes and environments in far away places, fitting in with the PS 199 global and ethical studies focus.
After doing their own Fundreds, the Eagle Class (aka Peace Builders) took the initiative to move beyond themselves to give the Fundred experience to others. They took Fundreds home for Thanksgiving and returned after the break with finished Fundreds and increased enthusiasm. They extended their involvement by teaching Fundred to other students. The Peace Builders went on to teach adults at the Brooklyn Museum. The Student Operatives, armed with clip boards and deep FUNDRED knowledge, went in to the museum to meet adults and shared the project with whomever was interested. They even took the initiative a step further by giving away stacks of templates with pre-addressed stamped envelopes asking in return that there be a commitment to mailing the finished Fundreds to their PS 119 Safe House! We used the project as we talked about the future, we taught folks on the street how to make Fundreds and we made video service announcements about our involvement with the project: See the video.
As we prepare for the arrival of the armored truck to our Peace Garden we are madly making and receiving Fundreds from all over the city. My graduates will be returning to their alma mater to train the younger Students Operatives in the coming weeks. All of our lives have been inspired by this community art action. A next generation of artists, thinkers and activists who trust their own voice was showing by example what can happen when people get involved!
This is to thank each student who inspired me with their energy and engagement: Monique, Ivy, Luis, Michael, Bryan, Justin, Kennedy, Brianna, Lena, Asha, Jay, Kara, Alexandria, Maya, Juliano, Andy, Jonathan, Taylor, Justin, Tehara, Shadeek, Abdelrahmanm, Shanteek and Niyamani.
Hawley Hussey
Director of Education
BRIC Contemporary Art
Brooklyn, NY
