We had our first public event on Thursday at UW-Plateville, and we could not be more thrilled with the results!
We showed up a few minutes late due to an unexpected collision with a light-cover at a gas station, and were greeted by a crowd of 50 or so students and faculty backed by an intimidating video camera. Being that our plan was not to have a plan and ride the moment, it was a little daunting.
But there was no time to worry and we hopped out of the bus and immediately explained that the day was not about us, but about everyone involved learning a little and sharing their creative passion. What ensued was beautiful.
Students and professors clambered into and on top of the bus and conversations broke out left and right about what the hell we were doing and how it made them feel. For the most part, I think inspired and excited would apply.
Then a student (someone if you can please remind me of the name) suggested we collectively use sidewalk chalk to UW-P-ify the bus. So we did.
I’m out of time but have LOTS more to say about our first experience and how it’s already shaping our project, so will finish the post soon.
THANK YOU Kathy, Carole, Kayla and everyone else who made this amazing first stop happen- can’t wait to be back in a year!
Congrats guys. Sounds like an awesome time. Can’t wait to hear more about the project and how it’s coming along
Comments and reflections from University of WI-Platteville students who visited 7Cees:
“I walked out of today’s classes with something new I’ve learned which I will carry on my shoulders
forever. The thing that I’ve learned is that spreading your ideas with people that you love and cherish is
one of the greatest gifts you can offer the world. I saw this when we went and visited the bus with all the
writing and designs on it. Here are people who are willing to spread their ideas and love to the rest of the world, not asking anything in
return from anyone. These people made me think about what art really is, and what your friends that you
make over your college career really mean to you.”
“This past week was awesome when it came down to the artwork that my peers and I were able to
do. When the 7cees bus came was by far one of the best experiences I have had since being here
at UW-Platteville. I contributed to a chalk drawing on top of the bus and the UWP logo painting that
was hung up on the side of the bus.”
“The only thing I can actually focus on about this class and last week is that bus! It was amazing.
Those guys and their ambitions and hopes for their journey..it was really cool. I am definitely going
to keep checking in on them and see how it’s going.”
“From listening to the Seven CE’s artists, I learned that there are many possibilities in life to go after.
One of the guys told us that ‘art is life and we are just one of the many painters’ which I thought was
neat to say about life and how we can create whatever future we want.”
How art can take many forms and coincide with many aspects of everyday life that I previously had
not taken into consideration.
“The 7cees participants taught me that anyone can be an artist. It is also good to collaborate with
more people, and amazing artwork can be produced”.
“After seeing the bus today I am inspired to find a way to make the community where I live a better
and more beautiful place. I’m not sure what I want to do yet, but I’m going to think of something.”
“This week I spent a lot of time on the bus with the guys from the 7cees. I really enjoyed meeting
with them and talking to them about all of their ideas. I think it is so cool how they plan on going to
all of the major cities and doing good things everywhere they stop. I did contact my friend Maggie
Marion who going to school at the University of Minnesota. She was going to try to get into contact
with them and meet up with them when they are in Minneapolis this week.”
“After spending time with the guys from the 7cees, it made me really think about what I want to
do with my life. I really want to do something that I am passionate about and ultimately be happy.
They really made me feel like I don’t need to have a plan and that I could do anything. It was really
comforting and I have been doing a lot of thinking about my future but I am relaxed and don’t feel
pressured to make any decisions.”
“That life is a voyage and you just go where it takes you. Hence the huge art bus.”
“That you can find ways to still have fun after you graduate college even knowing that you are only
delaying being a contributor to society.”
“Being able to see the 7 C’s bus, these men show that they are not afraid to take a chance and they
also show, do what you dream of doing and have fun and make a difference along the way.”
“Seeing the bus for the 7cees made me realize how art can be used to interest people into a bigger
picture. By that I mean how something so ironic and odd can spark up a conversation about what
can be done to better a community. The mission for the 7cees was very intriguing and I enjoyed
listening to what they had to say.
“The reason they decided on making the bus and driving around the US was to let people show their
creativity even if some thought it was a little strange. Like I thought it was strange to have the tops
of other cars on top of the bus, but once I got up there it was really cool to see.”
“This inspires me to go and make a difference for something I believe in.”