Urbana Community Invited to Share Reflections Through New Interactive Aging Sculpture
- ClarkLindsey
- Jun 10, 2016
- 2 min read
A new public art installation in Urbana is encouraging people of all ages to reflect on what growing older means to them. ClarkLindsey has introduced the “As I Age” Sculpture, an interactive wall where community members can write their thoughts, hopes, and experiences related to aging. Supported by the Urbana Public Arts Program, the project aims to spark open, intergenerational conversation.
What Happened
ClarkLindsey has unveiled the “As I Age” Sculpture, an interactive piece designed to make conversations about aging more approachable. The installation invites anyone—from young children to older adults—to write directly on the wall, sharing personal reflections about how they view the aging process.
The sculpture is located on the ClarkLindsey campus in Urbana and is open to the public. Community members can stop by, add their own messages, and read the contributions of others. The project is part of a national series of “As I Age” walls that appear in cities across the country.
Funding for the installation came from the Urbana Public Arts Program, which supports creative initiatives that engage residents and highlight the role of the arts in community life.
Why This Matters
Talking about aging can be difficult, and many people don’t have opportunities to explore the topic openly. This installation creates a welcoming space for honest reflection—whether someone is thinking about aspirations for later life, challenges they’ve faced, or the humor that often accompanies getting older.
For ClarkLindsey, the project aligns with a broader commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue about aging and encouraging intergenerational connection. By inviting participation from people of all ages, the sculpture reinforces the idea that aging is a universal experience shaped by diverse perspectives.
Key Details at a Glance
Installation: “As I Age” interactive sculpture
Location: ClarkLindsey, Urbana, Illinois
Purpose: Encourage open, community-wide reflection on aging
Participation: Open to all ages; visitors can write directly on the wall
Support: Funded by the Urbana Public Arts Program
Context: Part of a national series of similar installations
Broader Context
Communities across the U.S. are increasingly using public art to spark conversations about topics that affect people throughout their lives. Interactive installations, in particular, help break down barriers by inviting direct participation rather than passive observation. Urbana’s investment in this project reflects a growing recognition that aging is not just a personal journey but a shared community experience.
The “As I Age” Sculpture also highlights how organizations like ClarkLindsey can play a role in shaping local dialogue around aging—encouraging curiosity, reducing stigma, and creating opportunities for connection.
Source Attribution: This post is based on publicly reported information originally covered by WCIA.
