OCR Text |
Show Wed/Thurs/Fri, April 26-28, 2017 B-7 The Park Record Art project invites religious discussion SEAN DOLAN The Herald-Journal LOGAN, Utah (AP) — As new faces shuffled through Mikey Kettinger’s front door one night, they were greeted by smiling young people wearing black aprons and silver trays, offering gifts of finger food and conversation. “Hi, I’m an atheist,” Raul Lira said as he offered a snack. “Toasted baguette?” asked Darren Bingham, also an atheist, as he wandered around the front yard. Beth Foley, a Mormon, presented a tray of lemon cupcakes. “I made 120 and ate a lot of them,” Foley said. They were participating in an interactive art project — called “Gifts from Atheists, Mormons and Muslims” — as part of Kettinger’s thesis exhibit for his master’s degree in fine art at Utah State University. Atheists, Mormons and Muslims are the three religious groups at the very bottom of the “feeling thermometer,” according to the Pew Research Center, which found that people feel the least warmly toward Muslims at 48 points, atheists at 50, and Mormons at 54 points. The findings got Kettinger thinking. “My group, atheists, is at the bottom there, pretty much right above the Muslims,” Kettinger said. “I thought, ‘How can I correct this problem, or something, in a playful way?”’ The first iteration of the project was quietly launched last year. He installed a mini fridge full of snacks and soda in a lounge on campus, along with a sign that conveyed the Pew data and offered everything inside as a gift from an atheist. “I’ll give gifts to people anonymously on behalf of atheists,” Kettinger said. “It might be kind of funny and people might like it.” It became a hit on campus. Everybody was talking about it, including his professors. Kettinger received nearly 20 personal hand-written notes, mostly from Mormons, thanking him for the project. It was the most response he had ever seen from his art. “It was really having the effect I was going for,” Kettinger said. “Where people were like, ‘Oh yeah, [this is] just a nice, genuine gesture.’” Whenever Foley, a Utah State University senior, saw the mini fridge on campus, she would always take a look at what was inside and took a snack on several occasions. She said some people told her not to take anything, but she said the whole point is to receive a gift. As a music major, Foley said it’s important that art shouldn’t be above anyone, but rather something that everyone is able to participate in and enjoy. “Not only is he saying, ‘I’m an atheist but I want to give you gifts,’” Foley said. “He’s also saying, ‘I’m an artist, but I want to see what you have to share, too.’” When she saw that Kettinger was launching another version of “Gifts from Atheists,” she got involved. As Folley offered her homemade lemon cupcakes to people from all different religions, she said it was easy to start a con- versation and delve into deeper subjects. “Here you’re strangers and you can talk about art and what it means,” Foley said. Kettinger said his approach to art is similar to that of a journalist. He isn’t trying to persuade people, he just wants to present the facts and make people think. He said some religious people are uncomfortable with those who aren’t religious. They might think they lack morals because they have no structure or incentive for the afterlife. He wants to show that that isn’t the case. By creating an environment where dialogue and interpersonal connections are easy, he hoped his art project would help people explore their own beliefs. “I definitely think that it spreads awareness,” Kettinger said. “It educates people. It builds community. That’s why I do this. I want to educate.” As participants took in the Pew data framed on the kitchen wall, sipped soda, coffee, water and beer and accepted offerings of hummus and chips, tomato and basil, goat cheese and pastries, the wheels began to turn, just as Kettinger intended. Chase Gabbitas, a sophomore, said he thinks religions unintentionally segregate people. He said we often make friends with people who share our beliefs and don’t get to know people who are different. Evan Hall, a senior, agreed. He said living in a state with one dominant church has made it so he doesn’t know a lot of people from different backgrounds. At the art exhibit, he talked to people he might not otherwise interact much with. The participants also pondered why Mormons, atheists and Muslims are viewed unfavorably. Terra Pace, a Mormon, said she wasn’t that surprised to learn that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are ranked third from the bottom on the “feeling thermometer.” Pace served an LDS mission in Brazil and found that most people were either curious to learn about her religion or they had preconceived negative feelings. “Having visited other places and served a mission in another country, I can kind of see it from a different perspective,” Pace said. She said getting together with people who have different beliefs can help them find things they have in common. “My mom always says, ‘Food brings people together,”’ Pace said. It wasn’t just atheists, Mormons and Muslims in attendance. Narson Momgol, a Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist, who moved to America two years ago, said he has never seen anything like this project. The idea behind it, however, is a key part of his belief system. “Help somebody out is like helping yourself is what we believe,” Momgol said. “Life is like [a] circle.” It’s all part of Kettinger’s plan. He’s not a statistician. He’s a messenger. He’s not a scientist. He’s a storyteller. He’s not polarized. He’s neutral. His goal is to start conversations. “Sometimes these weird experiences with interactive art projects really are effective in that, it seems,” Kettinger said. SOME OF THE PETS AT NUZZLES & CO. LOOKING FOR LOVE These animals are available to be seen at the Nuzzles & Co. Adoption Center and Rescue Ranch. Our Adoption Center is open Monday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located in the Tanger Outlets in Kimball Junction. Our Rescue Ranch is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Sunday. The Rescue Ranch is located at 6466 N. Highview Road in Peoa. 435-783-5575 4200 North 400 West Oakley, UT 84055 lizy michelle janelle DEER CREEK TITLE & INSURANCE Michelle Huggins Confidence to close! King Midas Samurai Nala Mia King Midas is a handsome 2-yearold brown tabby and white domestic shorthair. He’s friendly and loves to snuggle. King Midas is an easygoing cat who’ll be a loving companion for years to come. He is sure to be the king of his castle, ahem, forever home. Samurai is a sweet and curious 1-year-old domestic shorthair. She has a gorgeous patch tabby and white coat, and sparkling green eyes. She would be happiest as the only pet in her home, but she promises to love you as much as 10 pets would. Nala is an affectionate 3-yearold orange tabby domestic shorthair. She loves to be the center of attention and is always up for a belly rub. Nala would love a forever home with a family that loves to snuggle and spend lots of quality time together. Mia is a spunky and playful 1-year-old domestic medium hair with a shiny brown tabby coat. This outgoing girl is full of youthful energy. She needs a fun-loving forever home with a family that loves to play and who will keep her entertained. 435.659.4407 dmichellehuggins@hotmail.com FREE DINNER ENTRÉE When you purchase another entrée of equal or greater value. Limit two coupons per party or table. Not valid with other coupon or offer. Dine in only. An 18% gratuity will be applied based on the original amount. Payment must be made with credit card. Valid through December 7, 2017 Cisco Georgia Verde Sophie Cisco is a very friendly, energetic lab who needs an active family. He’s about 4 years old and would be great with kids, cats and most dogs. He doesn’t jump and is learning basic obedience commands. Cisco is a quick learner and is eager to please. Georgia is a sweet 6-month-old Chihuahua mix who loves to play with people and other small dogs. She may be a bit shy at first, but warms up quickly and will be your very best friend. Georgia is a total sweetheart who needs a loving forever home to call her own. Verde is a happy and playful 1-year-old Chihuahua mix. He’s got lots of energy and would be a great partner for someone with an active lifestyle. Verde gets along well with other small dogs and could possibly live with a cat. This silly boy is one smart cookie, too. Sophie is a 7-year-old lab mix who loves to spend time with people. She enjoys going for walks and being outside. Sophie may be a senior by dog standards, but she’s energetic and has a zest for life. Sophie would be a wonderful addition to an active family. Best Thai Fine Dining UTAH 2014 WANTED: VOLUNTEERS These organizations are looking for volunteers. If you would like to include your group in this section, please email information to copyeditor@parkrecord.com. Please limit your entry to no more than 75 words. National Ability Center The National Ability Center is seeking volunteers for the Summit Challenge, Utah’s largest ride for cyclists of all abilities. The Summit Challenge is a fully supported road ride of 16, 52 or 102 miles through the scenic mountains and valleys of Summit and Wasatch counties. To sign up, visit SummitChallenge100.org/volunteer. Volunteers interested in cycling, bike maintenance, archery, water sports, climbing and more are always needed on a weekly basis Monday through Saturday. Email volunteer@discovernac. org to get started. Nuzzles & Co. Nuzzles & Co. is looking for volunteers to help furry friends waiting for adoption. This local nonprofit needs people to walk dogs, socialize with the animals, and assist with pet care and cleanup. Shifts are available at the Tanger Outlets adoption center from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and at the Rescue & Rehab Ranch from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For information, contact Nuzzles & Co. at 435-649-5441 or visit nuzzlesandco.org. Park City Medical Center Park City Medical Center needs volunteers age 14 and older who want to work in a welcoming environment, stay busy with a variety of tasks and have fun on the job. If you’d like to put your talents and skills to good use and help out a valuable community resource, please contact the volunteer manager at lisa.graham@imail.org. Park City Museum Do you love history and Park City? Are you interested in furthering your involvement in the community? The Park City Museum needs volunteers to help install and take down traveling exhibits, catalog and process collection items, assist in the Research Library, lead both adult tours and school group programs and assist as gallery guides. Please contact Jenette Purdy at the Park City Museum for information: 435-649-7457 or education@parkcityhistory.org. Park City READS Park City READS (Recognizing, Educating and Advocating for Dyslexic Students) promotes elevating literacy through early identification of struggling readers, effective reading interventions and appropriate classroom accommodations. Park City READS helps people navigate through diagnostic testing, school interventions, tutoring and technology resources. Membership is free and open to the public. For information about volunteer opportunities, contact ParkCityREADS@gmail.com or search for PC READS on Facebook. PCCAPS Mentors PCCAPS, the successful business and education collaboration for Park City High School juniors and seniors, is seeking mentors with skills in software and web development, business, digital design and engineering for highly motivated students completing real projects for local and international businesses such as RAMP, Rockwell-Collins, Adobe and Skull Candy. Help develop students for success in the 21st century global workforce. Participate once, weekly, or monthly. Visit parkcitycaps.com or contact lyanderson@pcschools.us, or call 435-659-4847. For a full list of volunteer opportunities, visit parkrecord.com/volunteers. 605 Main Street • Park Hotel • 435.649.THAI (8424) • bangkokthaionmain.com |