Through the Texas Psychological Foundation, we are seeking volunteers for an exciting public education project that will pair consumer health information with engaging public artwork. Modeled on the hugely popular public art projects seen in many cities, such as the Chicago “Cows on Parade” or Texas’ own “Austin Guitar Town”, the “Texas State of Mind” project will be more than just public art. It will be a venue for promoting healthier living through education about psychology and health.
Picture groups of large classical heads, creatively decorated and embellished by professional artists, each sitting atop a large pedestal, on public display at strategic locations across Texas during the summer of 2008! Each pedestal base will serve as a display for information containing psychological information related to health, providing specific and helpful consumer information based on psychological research. By tapping into the general public’s fascination with large-scale public art projects, Texas State of Mind will also engage the public in a journey of discovery about psychological components of healthier lives. Through the public art and educational displays, media coverage, and additional resources on the Texas State of Mind website, the project has the potential to bring pertinent health information to millions of people throughout the state of Texas.
Proceeds to the Texas Psychological Foundation will be used to continue and expand its mission to stimulate interest and knowledge of psychology to the public, recognize excellence and achievement in graduate training by granting awards, scholarships, and fellowships, as well as encourage the design and development of programs and techniques for providing psychological services in school, institutions, industries, and in the community-at-large. Additionally, a portion of sales generated from the auction of the heads following their tour of Texas will benefit charitable organizations within the state.
We are immediately seeking volunteers for the following committees - all vital to the success of the project. Each committee will be working with a Texas State of Mind Co-Chair as well as our Project Manager to reach their individual goals. The heads will be traveling to many different parts of the state, including (but not limited to) Houston, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Austin/San Marcos, San Antonio, and areas surrounding these cities, so we need volunteers statewide!
Artist Detail: The Artist Detail Committee will issue the Call for Artists, work to track and organize submissions, as well as work with a Jury through the Artist selection process. Additionally, they will work on coordination of head delivery, return, and repairs, as well as possible merchandising opportunities.
Volunteer Coordination: The Volunteer Coordination Committee will solicit and schedule volunteers needed for all aspects of the project, as well as communicate with the membership, and encourage member donations of time and money.
Sponsorship: The Sponsorship Committee will work to identify potential sponsors and contacts within the targeted organization, work with other committees to identify in-kind needs and potential donors, survey the psychological community for help, and make personal connections with and the pitch to potential donors.
If you are interested in helping, but can not presently make a commitment, volunteers will be needed for the following committees at a later date:
Events: The Events Committee will organize and plan the Opening Night and the Gala Auction.
Logistics: The Logistics Committee will be responsible for logistics surrounding assembly of, transportation, storage, and auction placement of the heads.
If you would like more information about any aspect of the committees/project or are interested but unsure how to contribute, feel free to contact texasstateofmind@austin.rr.com or call 512-264-5703. Also, if you have contacts with important key members of the community that could help us further our sponsorship goals, please let us know! Stay tuned for project updates, additional information, and the launch of the Texas State of Mind website!
Sincerely,
Marla Craig, PhD
Ollie Seay, PhD
Texas State of Mind Co-Chairs
