This is an attempt to briefly cover what we've learned about planning, set-up, display,
overnighting, and tear down of the Children's Memorial.  At this point, the Memorial is
still in its diaper stage - we know we will learn more with each showing.

Planning
The best venue for the Children's Memorial is an outdoor 'in your face' setting, a spot
where passers-by cannot help but be confronted by the work.  Indoor gallery settings 
attract those sympathetic to the Memorial and therefore 'preach to the choir' rather 
than a broader audience.  

It is also best to plan on 5 days to set-up, display and tear-down the Memorial.  On the
first day, attention is attracted at the set-up, on subsequent days, visitors increase as 
both informal and formal publicity take effect.  In the past both newspaper and 
television coverage has been helpful, but, of course, these media prefer interviews and 
photographs at the site.  At the first showing, three TV stations came and gave nice 
coverage, in addition to articles and photos in two daily papers and the campus 
newspaper. Three days of showing allows time for this publicity to both occur and have 
an effect. 

Many venues require a public liability bond.  The Memorial has a sponsor who can
provide this bond, but it must be arranged ahead of time.

Permission for documentary video taping should also be obtained.

Setting Up
The Children's Memorial requires a minimum set-up foot print of about 50' x 50'. 
Currently the structure contains 2,000 small tombstones.  An additional 1,000 are set 
up on the ground and more will be added to this part of the display as they are created. 
The Memorial travels in a small trailer which then becomes the 'hub' of the Memorial's 
labyrinth.  It can be towed or pushed into position at the center of the set-up area.  The 
trailer has large, soft tires (like those of a golf cart) so it will not harm grassy areas or 
underground piping. Set up time is approximately 70 'person hours'.  Meaning that 10 
people could set it up in 4 hours.

Display Phase
It is important for those staffing the exhibition to be easily recognizable, either at an 
information table or by a distinctive t-shirt, etc.  Mr. Clark's intention is that all 
opinions are welcome.  Staffers are advised to answer questions and accept opinions.  
Never engage in debate with visitors.

If electricity is available, it is additive to play Mr. Clark's recording of the sounds of 
children playing and laughing.  Volunteers who wish to read aloud the names of the 
children should also be welcomed.

Musical groups who wish to make an upbeat tribute to the children have also provided 
a moving experience for visitors.  It helps to feel the presence of the children.  Poets and
performance artists should also be made welcome.

If the site allows, it is lovely to provide small candles to visitors at dusk.

At every showing, Mr. Clark plans to have a table with art supplies available and to 
encourage visitors to express their feelings by decorating individual tombstones with a 
poem, an expression, or art.  In the future, these pieces will be auctioned to defray the 
expenses of the Memorial. Additional profits will be donated to groups which directly 
assist surviving children.

Overnighting
There are three options for protecting the Memorial overnight.  First, an overnight vigil 
consisting of at least two people in four hour shifts is workable, but also organizationally 
intensive.  Second, there are sleeping accommodations inside and on top of the trailer for 
two friendly people.  Third, a private security guard can be hired.  We are currently 
working on a video surveillance system with loud speaker.

Tear Down	
It takes about 50 'person hours'  to tear down the display.

Just a Note

Mr. Clark is still seeking an organization or 'deep pockets', with more clout than an 
82 year old artist with limited funds, to sponsor the touring of the Memorial.	
If you are interested in hosting or sponsoring the Children’s Memorial, you can contact 
Mr. Clark through his website, www.stupidwise.com, or his email, dcstupidwise@yahoo.com.


HOME


CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL HOME