Putting Layers on the Onion

"Putting Layers on the Onion" involves several components and steps:

1. A papier-mâché onion (approx. 2 1/2’ in diameter) is floor mounted in the space. The onion refers to the name Chicago, which is derived from the Potawatomi word for wild onion.

2. A jar of envelopes is next to the onion. Each envelope contains a small piece of paper. Those pieces of paper are different colors and textures (including standard white paper, yellow cardstock, brown “paper bag” type paper, onion skin paper, vellum, etc.). Each piece of paper has an aroma (including vanilla, cinnamon, lilac, lavender, etc.).

3. A set of directions is affixed to the surface of the jar. Those directions read: 1) Think of an image that relates to a specific place in Chicago. This could be something you have seen, smelled, heard, tasted, or felt; 2) Take an envelope out of this jar; 3) Open that envelope and take out the piece of paper; 4) Write a sentence on the piece of paper that combines: a) the sensory memory of Chicago which you just thought about, b) something about the color of the paper, and c) something about the smell of the paper; 5) There are two small glue dots on the back of that piece of paper. Affix your piece of paper to the surface of the onion.

4. When the papier-mâché onion is covered with a layer of pieces paper, a new onion will replace the first onion.

5. Several times a month the “onion layer” contributions will be transcribed, and they will be posted on this blog, so people can find out who has added which layers to the onion.