Week 11: Alissa

Abandoned Materials Expo (Escapism)

Being a visitor

This was the perfect expo to hold in week 11 as everyone begins to get very stressed. This expo was unbelievably nostalgic and joyful. It sparked so many conversations about our childhoods within my group and between the hosts and myself. We talked about children's books, foods, entertainment and school. My fingers were dyed blue from the oobleck but it didn't matter, because getting messy was part of the fun. 

There was a lot of story telling and play, but also a bit of quiet time and even the fear and stress of adulthood. I think those parts were good at trying and make us remember that it is important to escape and relax and be creative when we are stresses and worried.

Maybe also that there are things still to enjoy in our world even as it feels like it is falling apart around us sometimes. For me the wall where you wrote your fears was that rising back to reality moment. I wrote that I am scared about the future of the world.

There were moments of nostalgia and escapism, like when writing a letter, like you did to Santa every year, but also it was a time to think of loved ones and reflect on how you are feeling. 

I think this expo helped my to escape the stresses of my week for an hour, but also to remember to value the little things in life that bring you and others joy.