In the summer of 2019, Rob Wilkinson returned as the Arts & Crafts Director for the first time in over two decades. In addition to offering multiple individual projects within the program, he wanted to make sure that we could achieve a community art project. He envisioned a project that would involve all campers and counselors AND represent the spirit of Hayo-Went-Ha.
Rob drew inspiration from an English artist Anthony Gormley. In 1991 Gormly produced an installation piece called ‘the Field.’ Gormley’s work was inspired by the discovery of the Terracotta Army in China. Along with hundreds of volunteers, the artist created thousands of simple clay figures and assembled them in a vast open space. When viewed, each person saw something different and beautiful depending on their perspective. Just like camp!
The goal was to recreate Gormley’s “the field” at Hayo-Went-Ha. Rob insisted every cabin be involved. Over the next eight weeks, campers and counselors alike crafted their clay figures to include in the installation. They sculpted a dizzying variety of creatures out of terracotta clay. The figurines would not be glazed as to leave a porous earthenware type finish.
Creating the clay figures was only the start, though. Each clay creation needed to be fired in a kiln to ensure longevity. The camp Hayo-Went-Ha Craft Shop doesn’t have a kiln, though. Luckily Judy Thurston, our dear friend and camp alumni, had the answer. She put Rob in touch with a local couple, Ron and Cynthia Tschudi. Ron and Cynthia are retired teachers and artists who graciously allowed us to use their kiln to fire the figures into permanence.
Rob and the campers selected an old concrete structure in Lower Camp as the location for the installation. Rob and the campers upcycled the old pumphouse that previously brought water to Upper Camp and the Old Dining Hall. Over the course of an afternoon, they carefully arranged the finished figures inside to powerful effect.
The figures were carefully packed away at the end of the summer. At the beginning of each camp season, the clay creations will be reassembled in the old pumphouse – displayed as a symbol of camp solidarity and a specific moment in time.
When I asked Rob what he thought of the project, he said, “The inspiration, love, craft, and joy displayed by the campers and staff embody the spirit and wonder of camp. It was a joy to direct and see the project through to fruition. Each for all.”