Artist Eric Daigh, "Self-Portrait"
Fans of Post-It Super Sticky Notes will be gathering at Grand Central Terminal this morning for the unveiling of an original billboard created using the beloved office supply. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the paper that remains attached to our hearts, 3M partnered with nonprofit Publicolor to sponsor The National Student Design Contest. This contest challenged students in grades 6 to 12 to think about what will happen in their lives in 30 years and create a work of art. The two grand prizewinners received an award of $5,000, supplies for their school, and a trip to New York City.
Award-winning conceptual artist Eric Daigh accepted the challenge of taking the winning selections and creating the billboard using only Post-It Notes. Daigh, who usually works with push pins (see his self-portrait), stopped posting for a minute to share information about this exceptional project.
You have used many forms of media in your conceptual works of art. What was your reaction when you found out you would be creating a billboard using Post-It Super Sticky Notes?
Well, it came as a question: “Would you consider making one of these in Grand Central out of Post-It's”? It was an irresistible proposition, both for the venue and the medium.
How many notes will you be using for the billboard?
112,640.
How long did it take to build the design?
It took about a month.
What else do you plan to do in New York along with building the world's largest artistic billboard?
Every time we come, we try our best to see what's new in Chelsea, and sell some work. My wife and I promised each other we would do something touristy. Coney Island, or the Statue [of Liberty]. All the trips, I've never set foot in Central Park.
The finalists of The National Student Design Contest had to answer this question: "In 30 years I will..." How would you answer the question?
I'm dependably horrible at predicting my future. Hopefully, I'll be keeping up with my ideas, sitting on a porch on Lake Michigan with my wife, my son, grandkids, etc. Just like now. In 30 years, I will still be this happy.
The artistic billboard will be the focal point of the Post-it Brand Student Art Exhibition featuring the original designs created by 25 of the contest finalists. Angela Kinsey of the Emmy award-winning series “The Office” will be there to unveil the billboard.
The family event will be free and open to the public in Grand Central Terminal Vanderbilt Hall from Tuesday, August 3rd until Friday, August 6th.
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