If I Can Do It, You Can Do It Too

During September in West Chicago, Berit Nørgaard of Copenhagen, is performing a social project as part of the West Chicago Museum's Artist in Residence program. If I Can Do It, You Can Do It Too asks individuals of the West Chicago community to tell Berit what they would like to learn, and then she goes out and tries to find others who, not only have the skill, but are also willing to teach it. Most lessons will be conducted in the West Chicago Museum and the durations are limited to an hour depending on the skill being taught.

This project is being introduced to West Chicago on a simple two sided flier, one side written in English and the other in Spanish, the approach seems a bit lack luster, although I firmly believe in the basic premise. I found Berit's actions to be both noble and novel. As a foreigner, to not only the community but to the country, she has a lot of hurdles to overcome in a months time. Berit addresses this project as a way to look at people in our communities as possessing potential rather than posing a threat.

The official press release states "Nørgaard's projects invite people to make small exchanges. The aim is to engage the other as an attentive potential that forms new perspectives on how to go about living." I think this project will mean something very different to different people. I, for one, have always learned from my neighbors, from how to play games as a kid, to how to fix my car as an adult. I understand that this is not how a lot of people in the world learn, so if you are interested in learning something new and would like to participate in If I Can Do It, You Can Do It Too feel free to contact Berit with what you would like to learn at you-can-too@hotmail.com.

Currently Berrit is looking to find people...

...who would like to learn
Origami
Knitting
Composting
Journalistic Writing
Sharpen Gardening Tools

...who would like to teach
Piano
African Drumming
Business Plan Writing
Introduction to Dance

Upon completion of this project Berit will put together in a small publication containing information gathered during the process.