IDENTITY:
Project Grow most definitely qualifies as a project which addresses identity. Prior to this project, many to most members did not consider themselves artists. Often relegated to factory type employment with below minimum wage incomes, their experiences weren't fun, exciting, or fulfilling. Project Grow believes everyone is an artist, and everyone has a voice and a unique perspective worth sharing. Project Grow is about discovering and expressing unyet tapped identity. This type of identity expression is in stark contrast to works such as James Luna's The Artifact Piece (38) in which he identifies himself in relation to his cultural heritage and past. Project Grow encourages members to transcend cultural identity and to express who they are as individuals as is evidenced above by the weavers and "The Boss".
PLACE:
Project Grow also relates to the contemporary art them of Place. Like Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller's The Paradise Institute (181-2), walking into Project Grow's art studio presents you with a previously unimaginable place which engages all the senses. The smell of paint and the aroma of yummy organic food fills your nostrils. Laughter and music fill your ears. Shelves packed and tables covered with every kind of art supply an artist could want are everywhere. People who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally are painting colorful masterpieces and weaving vibrant tapestries. Everyone is either chatting with friends or is happily working on something they love. Project Grow has created a Utopian Place.
LANGUAGE:
Many Project Grow artists create pieces which involve Language as a form of artistic expression. Similar to Jenny Holzer's From Truisms (215), many of these artists convey their thoughts via written word. Due to Project Grow being such a happy place, it's no wonder many of these works are about love and friendship.
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