"Good Intentions"

"Good Intentions" was an interactive outdoor sculpture installed at the UW-Madison Arboretum in the fall of 2024. This work of art invited viewers to engage positively with the piece by placing their own jingles, alongside a positive thought or intention, on a tree near the entrance to the Longenecker Horticultural Gardens. All jingles were placed by visitors within a single week of the installation, but it remained installed for over a month's time. 

The following images were taken throughout various stages of the piece's installation period. I would like to extend my gratitude to each and every person that interacted with this work of art. 

https://arboretum.wisc.edu/news/arboretum-news/art-on-view-good-intentions/ 

Good Intentions

ribbon, nickel

October 21 - December 2

"Traditionally, 365 jingles are placed on a jingle dress. The jingle dress was created by Ojibwe people and the idea came about in a dream. The jingle dress dance is said to be a healing dance because of the prayers and intentions put into the jingle cones. 

It is said that each jingle holds a prayer or good intention. When you place it on the tree, please place it as shown so that the jingles touch. Once there are enough positive thoughts placed on the tree, you should be able to hear them "jingle" when the wind blows. It is important to keep a good thought or intention in mind when you hang the jingles. The motivation behind this project is to spread and share positivity. You are welcome to pray if you wish.

There are a limited number of jingles. If all have been placed, visitors can still enjoy the experience of the jingle tree."