So I decided to start a public adventure club…so far I am the only member, but we had our first project this weekend. The goal of the Adventure Club is to get people to interact with the world in a more interesting way. I am a firm believer in the power of art, and science, and culture to shape the world we live in. Hopefully for the better.

Project: Public Photos
Goal: Get people to leave pictures of themselves to a stranger
Materials: Two reusable cameras, some string, a marker and two 3X5 cards
Success: You betcha!

Scenario:

I left two reusable cameras tied with string to two benches in Boston. One in Quincy market (a popular tourist trap), and Harvard Square (Technically in Cambridge). I placed them there with little signed that read “Good day! This camera has been left here for you to have fun with, Seriously! So take some pictures. I will be back later this afternoon to pick it up. <3 SJ" I dropped them off around 1pm, and then went and rode my bike around town for 5 or 6 hours (it was soooooooo nice out). As I returned I was just in time to see a security guard snatch the camera I had left in Quincy Market (apparently her boss had told her to take it...why I can't understand) but I got it back with a minimum of hassle, good timing on my part. The camera in Harvard square was in use when I got there, so I had to hide for a bit then pick it up once they were done. The people in Harvard Square actually left me a little message with emails saying they wanted to see these pictures (Hi people from Harvard Square hope you like them!). The pictures are really nice, and this turned out really well. I am certainly going to do this again. If you live in Boston and want to be part of the Adventure Club let me know I have a lot of ideas and need help! We will be doing all sorts of fun, lighthearted things to get people to play and have fun more. The goal is to get them to smile, enjoy life, maybe think a bit. If you want to join drop a comment in the form below and make sure you fill in a valid email into the email form. So without further adieu here are the pictures.

final thoughts: People really seemed to be having fun in the pictures, it gives me hope that future missions will also go well. I think if someone was walking up to strangers and taking their picture they would be upset, but you set a camera out on the ground and people seem to have a great time taking pictures of themselves, and then abandoning them to total strangers….I wonder what this says about us…I am glad people had so much fun!