You can all stop mourning the Whalers and Constitution Plaza lipstick on a pig Christmas lights now. Hartford has finally received the infusion of top notch culture that we have been breathlessly waiting for all these years: The American Museum of the Free Publication Distribution Box. For more info including directions, along with audio and video tours, go to the museum’s website.
Richard Nelson
Just when you thought you had thought it all along comes something new. These boxes are not usually on my mind, and I just say when passing by, “When is someone going to remove this junk.” Along comes The American Museum of the Free Publication Box and upsets my apple cart. I love what they have done. In the name of ART I say YES!
Once upon a time, about 10 years or so back when these boxes had given out the last of their wares a young anarchist proposed that a group take over the boxes that looked like homes, and running under the slogan, “Everyone deserves a roof over their head,” decorate these boxes and fill them with anarchist publications and other left groups pamphlets.
I love how the American Museum has taken the 20th century art idea of, “Take Something, Do Something With it and then do something again, these boxes and the museums walking tour sure fits the bill. Yes Dorothy it is Art in the highest regard and fun to boot with no rich person, no corporation, no art system in the way. A radical shift in the power structure of art, maybe just a tiny balanced weight on the other side.
P.S The walking tour narration is wonderful. Much to think with.
Kerri Provost
I think it’s hilarious and I’m a little jealous that I didn’t think this up myself. When I pass these boxes, I always glance, ever hopeful than someone has turned one into a free library or something.
Richard Nelson
Those boxes shaped like a house would be wonderful as a free library. I wonder if the city will see the work that the museum has done as a great addition to the cultural aspects of the city. Sometimes I wonder if they and the corporations that rule like fun as much as the rest of us. I love the museum’s humor. It reminds me of when the Amelia Hart Club was running around town and Thursday was a work of art. I can’t wait to get into town to take the tour. This certainly proves that one doesn’t need to work within the system to make art and as we well know some of the great works are done outside the system without the man or museum, gallery or collector looking over one’s shoulder.
Kerri Provost
You’re a bad influence, Richard! More and more I find myself annoyed at how sanitized and within bounds local art is. So little of it is challenging. Pretty pictures and affirmations, that’s it.