Leslie Greenwood Champions ‘Community-ing’ Inspired by Public Art

In a recent LinkedIn post, Leslie Greenwood shares an inspiring encounter with public art that sparked a reflection on the importance of community connection. The post, accompanied by a personal anecdote, highlights a moment of serendipitous discovery that led Greenwood to contemplate the deeper meaning of civic spaces and interaction.

Greenwood recounts an early morning experience, stating:

“I saw this at 4am taking my daughter to the airport yesterday. Quickly found a legal u-turn and literally stopped the car in the middle of the road to snap this picture.”

This vivid description underscores the immediate impact the art had, prompting a spontaneous act to capture the moment. The art, described as a sculpture, clearly resonated with Greenwood, who expressed a strong desire to possess it, noting, “I need this sculpture!” This sentiment suggests the artwork not only caught her eye but also embodied an ideal or aspiration.

The Power of Public Art to Foster Connection

Greenwood uses this personal experience to advocate for a more intentional focus on building community. The core of her message revolves around the concept of “community-ing,” a term she employs to suggest an active and ongoing process of creating and nurturing connections within a society. As Greenwood points out, public art can serve as a powerful catalyst for such connections.

The act of stopping to photograph the sculpture, despite the early hour and the logistical challenge, signifies the profound effect art can have on our perception and our willingness to engage with our surroundings. According to Greenwood, these moments are not mere distractions but opportunities for deeper reflection and connection.

Embracing Spontaneity and Community Building

The narrative shared by Greenwood emphasizes the value of embracing unexpected moments. The decision to make a legal U-turn and stop in the middle of the road highlights a willingness to deviate from a planned schedule for the sake of a meaningful experience. This spontaneity, Greenwood implies, is crucial for genuine community engagement.

Furthermore, Greenwood’s reflection extends beyond the visual appeal of the sculpture. Her desire for the sculpture can be interpreted as a yearning for the kind of environment or feeling it represents – one that is communal, engaging, and perhaps even inspiring. In her own words, she is “Here’s to more ‘community-ing’.” This closing remark frames the entire post as a call to action, encouraging readers to seek out and cultivate similar experiences that strengthen social bonds.

The post concludes with well wishes for Father’s Day, adding a layer of personal warmth and reinforcing the theme of connection within families and broader social networks. Greenwood’s ability to draw a lesson on community from a simple observation at an unusual hour demonstrates a keen eye for the subtle ways in which our environment can influence our thoughts and actions.