Room to Connect
made in collaboration with Bridget Novak
Installation
2016
Throughout my time at St. Olaf College I saw many students get caught up in the routine of their
every day. I would often wish it were easier to break out of my ordinary pattern and meet
someone new. Connecting with others became a rarity in my life during a time when I was
surrounded by countless people having experiences similar to my own. I wanted to give others
the opportunity to encounter something that I felt a lack of in my recent past. This transportable
living room offers a comfortable space for people to pause and talk to someone they may not
have otherwise met. - Gina
During these early years of adulthood, life is constantly in transition as we learn more about
ourselves and our world. In this exciting and challenging period of life I have been strengthened
through ties within my community. Our living room created an opportunity to slow down and
connect, be it a lighthearted conversation about classes and college life, or a more vulnerable
conversation about mental health, relationships, or the uncertainty of our futures. I believe strong
community bonds create a foundation for us to be our best selves. - Bridget
We brought our living room to different spaces on St. Olaf College’s campus and Carleton
College’s campus, and invited passersby to join us in conversation.
Please share in our experience. Sit down and converse with those around you, read our guest
book and listen in on the conversations we had during our time in this living room.