Detroit-based artist Pat Perry (formerly appeared here) packed a new mural in Wisconsin. There is some extra heart and soul behind the project, and 27 local teachers lend their portraits to comments about the complexity of our current moment and the people who helped us browse:
“Even in a small country town, you won’t be isolated from the huge forces that shape the world. History takes place. Economic rise. War begins. Continental drifting and mountain erosion. One day, the sun will swell and swallow the earth. Most of us don’t have much say in anything.
However, day after day, people find their purpose. They wake up early, intend to appear, and try to understand things – not only to themselves, but to others. The teacher does this every day. It’s not for recognition, and it’s rare to get too much salary. This is a repetitive maintenance behavior that can bring things together.
Choosing to undertake this task is a quiet act of resistance even when standing on the brink of something huge and indifferent. In overwhelming, uncontrollable and disconnected, teachers, as well as all custodians of all human affairs, tend toward the meaning of the world through steady and stubbornness. ”
