Spirit of Independence: Community Art and Writing Event

As part of the America 250 celebration, participants of all ages are invited to engage with Sheryl Oring’s public artwork Spirit of Independence by reflecting on the question, “What does independence mean to you?” Oring will type participants’ responses on a vintage typewriter; each person receives an original typed copy, while a duplicate becomes part of a growing community archive that will be featured in a future exhibition and serve as inspiration for a public art project to be displayed in September 2026 in conjunction with National Constitution and Voter Engagement Day. All participation is open to all ages and may be done anonymously. In addition to this interactive artwork, visitors can contribute to a collaborative typewritten poem facilitated by the Ohio Writing Project, and take-home commemorative letterpress prints created by local designer Réka Juhász.