10/14/2022
MEMBERS OFTEN ASK WHERE NOT TO LEAVE ART! (Borrowed from Art Abandonment fb page, with thanks.)
Here are some basics based on direct feedback we have received from officials and member’s personal experiences. Of course, read with an open mind. Some areas listed are definite NOs and OTHERS MAY BE OKAY WITH PERMISSION. Feel free to add to this comment thread if you know of a place I haven’t included.
-AIRPORTS (security reasons)
-STATE AND NATIONAL PARKS (the park rangers consider it litter and will toss it)
-NATURALISTS write us and ask us not to disturb the natural environment (using river rocks to build a rock sculpture as art abandonment) or any art that put animals at risk ( strings, lanyards they can get caught in, google eyes, etc.)
-RETAIL STORES, POST OFFICES or GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS. Store clerks and postal clerks ask not to leave art inside. Clerks say they are obligated to put items in lost and found or they toss them. It can be confusing to the finder to see something free among the for sale items. They may not feel comfy taking it. An alternate plan is to leave art on Bulletin Boards in these facilities meant for community use.
-VEHICLES (windshields, door handles, etc. ) Owners have actually reported this to police. Police have written us and asked for art not to be left anywhere on vehicles. It may cause damage or alarm...owner suspecting foul play or fearing this is a set up to distract them while an attacker is lurking in the shadows.
-MEDICAL FACILITIES…such as hospital and doctor entrances and waiting rooms ( entrances with display tables providing pamphlets and masks), or in dressing rooms or testing areas inside medical facilities…urgent care, nursing homes, dentist offices, cancer centers, etc.
We have received feedback from medical staff that unathorized items left are considered a contaminate and therefore pose a safety risk so staff throw them away. Unless you have permission please avoid these areas. It’s tough I know because these are good places to leave a spark of joy. Restrictions have gotten tighter because of Covid too.
