Artist Statement: Many people have fond childhood playground memories. Playtime on monkey bars, or a swing set can create a strong sense of nostalgia. Full of games and laughter, what do you remember from the playgrounds of your childhood?

In my childhood, games such as grounders or black shoe black shoe linger in my mind. Maybe you preferred jump rope or drawing on the cement with chalk. Either way, we all learned to use our imagination and to develop important communication, and collaboration skills while on the playground. There is constant movement at a playground with children running around and climbing on a variety of structures. Growth and change in children can be seen on playgrounds. But even when there are no children present, the structures themselves change. Have you ever seen an abandoned playground? Wood structures are worn or rotting, metal bars are dull and rusting. A neglected playground can create and eerie atmosphere.

The world during the pandemic sometimes felt like an abandoned playground. Laughter and play seemed to go missing. Important communication, and collaboration skills have been neglected. This can result in strange transformations. Maybe with more time, the world is ready to start playing again … —Madison Hutton