Our installation, “Welcome In”, was created by Caressa Miles, Libby Albus, Ian Mcilvain, and the Xavier Art Department.

By portraying a dining room set and doorway with conversation statements, we invited viewers to become participants in the work to reflect on how they interact with others and take action to “break bread” with family, friends, and neighbors. These basic questions humanize others in the face of so much adversity and attacks on different communities. While this installation has roots in broader social change of understanding, the basis of the idea is a lighthearted and joyful celebration of each other. This shared experience unites audience members of all backgrounds in getting to know one another and creates healthy practices of community conversations.

We were moved by the amount of people who started new, engaging conversations with strangers around our public, shared table. Amidst all the festivities; we took time to slow down, sit together, and truly connect with each other. Our intimate, immersive space invited viewers into our public home to engage with images and direct actions of love, joy, and celebration occurring around the table. These conversations ultimately spur new connections that further foster understanding, combat isolation, and are a first step to build community support and action.

On each place mat, there was a guiding question that we engaged with. We encourage you to continue contemplating these topics as you navigate life.

- What does community mean to you?

- What have you dreamed of accomplishing for a long time? How can you make that a reality?

- What does an important friendship look like to you?

- When was the last favor you did for someone? What was it?

- When was the last time you sang to yourself?

- Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? How was the conversation memorable?