John Noltner presented a keynote presentation at the Corvallis Community Center on Oct. 20 at 6 p.m., part of his “A Peace of My Mind” exhibit that has visited many cities across the United States.
When traveling to Corvallis, Noltner brought along the question, “What does belonging mean to you?”
Noltner collected anecdotes throughout the week leading up to the event.
The event was split into two main parts. First, the keynote presentation, which included an overview of Noltner’s previous work, before showing a video containing some of the work made this week in Corvallis.
The ballroom at the Corvallis Community Center was filled with several tables, each with five to six chairs for sitting. These groups introduced themselves to each other and engaged in casual chatter before the beginning of the presentation.
The presentation itself was filled with stories from Noltner’s travels. In his own words, he uses these stories, “with the intent for good, and for connection.”
Krista Burke, a member of OSU faculty who attended the event, said, “I’ve always been interested in the power of storytelling. The simplicity of actually listening to others stories.”
One particularly effective story was about when Noltner visited the location where George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis. He asked the people mourning there for their thoughts, and recorded them.
He then began to present the work he created in Corvallis this week. When one of the attendee’s appeared on the projector screen, the others next to the attendee subtly congratulated them.
“I feel inspired,” said Ismael Rodriguez, a featured OSU student attending the event. “His work is incredible, a real special place in my heart.”
After the presentation was a group dialogue. This further expanded on the main topic, asking the attendees to converse at their table further.
All of the photos created during the exhibition will be available on the official “A Peace of My Mind” website within the following weeks.
Noltner himself had something to say regarding the exhibition’s success.
“We always show up with nothing but an invitation. We had a great showing with great conversations,” Noltner said. “The people here brought the spark to life and I know they’ll keep having these conversations.”
