What would happen if you collected art from children across the United States and around the world and used it to wrap a Saturn V rocket? The Dream Rocket Project was created in 2009 by Jennifer Marsh, Professor of Art at Washburn University in Topeka, in an effort to further the arts as a vehicle for learning, collaboration, and inspiration. As part of the project, the Caldwell Public Library will display artwork throughout the month of July that represents the work of students and individuals from many states and five foreign countries: England; Russia; Hungary; Kenya; and Malaysia. Marsh set a goal of collection 8,000 art submissions and exhibiting them at as many venues as possible around the country before wrapping the rocket.

The theme of the project is “Dare to Dream” and all of the panels of art represent the dreams of children and students for their communities and the world. They challenge individuals to expand beyond the present state of the world, find common ground, and imagine the future and their contribution to that future. The pieces on exhibit at the Caldwell Public Library will join the others in June 2014, when they will be wrapped on a 365-foot Saturn V Moon Rocket at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The Rocket is 48 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty, and when it is fully wrapped, will be a 32,000 square foot work of art.

Come to the library to see the amazing pieces of artwork – you really don’t want to miss this display! The library is open on Mondays from 10 am to 6 pm and on Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 am – 2 pm. Marsh commented that “This project provides a tangible demonstration of the beauty of individuals collaborating to meet universal challenges. The creation of the panels has been a catalyst for creativity in health care facilities, libraries, schools, museums, and for individuals.” Randy Sawyer and Marian Williams were instrumental in putting Caldwell’s display together, so be sure to thank them!