What does Geneva mean to you?

Participate in a Collaborative Public Art Project in Downtown Geneva

A large chalkboard wall has been installed on South 3rd Street, just north of the Geneva History Museum and 5,000 postcards are being scattered throughout Geneva—all with a simple prompt—write a note or draw a picture to tell the world what you love about our community.

Dear Geneva, with Love is a collaborative public art project designed by local artist, Catherine Tilly as a response to the time we’ve spent socially distanced and apart. It’s designed to be an unfolding story of community, a snapshot of history, and a love letter to place—part public art, part marketing and part history. Tilly is inviting everyone to respond— students, residents, visitors and business owners—to create a uniquely Geneva story during these historic times. The Geneva History Museum has partnered with the artist to create a space for the wall, to display postcards, t-shirts and other merchandise. The temporary wall installation, made possible by Hogan Construction, will remain through Festival of the Vine in September.

Postcards and drop boxes are at 20 locations throughout downtown (see list below). Participants are invited to write or draw messages of support and encouragement or personal stories, drop in a box, create displays and social media posts (#deargeneva #deargenevawithlove), and then add a message to the chalkboard wall outside the Geneva History Museum. Tilly is hoping businesses will create their own responses to Dear Geneva, with Love.!

Dear Geneva, With Love merchandise is available for sale in the Geneva History Museum Gift Shop including t-shirts and mugs. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays thru Saturdays.

This project is made possible with support from the Geneva History Museum, Hogan Construction, The Geneva Cultural Arts Commission, and Geneva Foundation for the Arts. Thanks to the Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva for the use of the lawn.

Postcards and Drop Boxes are Available at the following locations:

The Little Traveler, 404 South Third Street

Cafe & Barr, 407 South Third Street

Moveable Feast, 321 Franklin Street

Art History Brewing, 649 West State Street

The Royal Wren, 11 South Third Street

Jade, 25 South Third Street

Odalisque Beauty Apothecary, 101 South Third Street

Country Naturals, 316 Campbell Street

The Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street

The Geneva Public Library, 227 South Seventh Street