The blackboard recording the lifetime longings of hundreds of Chattanoogans has a little more life left in it.
Hospice of Chattanooga’s contract for “The Before I Die” wall was to end Sunday, but the nonprofit got an extension through the Labor Day weekend.
The public art project invites people to contemplate death.
“It’s been a wonderful way for people to approach the idea of making sure we have a life well lived,” says Garry Mac, an advocate for Hospice of Chattanooga.
Hospice of Chattanooga sponsored the project along with other partners including Public Art Chattanooga, Talk Radio 102.3 FM and Eastman Construction.
Since June 20, the wall, about 40 feet long and 8 feet high, has listed the longings of visitors. The wishes wash off during the rain, and Mac visits the wall daily for maintenance and to occasionally record people’s goals.
The wall reads “Before I die, I want to” and it leaves blank spaces for observers to fill.
Responses range from lighthearted requests, like to “see UT win the Southeastern Conference,” to requests more personal, “marry Peter.”
Other responses include to chill with Snoop Dogg, become a millionaire, love and fly a helicopter.
Mac says the wall, located in Renaissance Park under the Market Street Bridge, will next go to Cleveland, another city in Hospice of Chattanooga’s 18 service areas in Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia.
Members of the Senior Network, whose members work for companies that assist the senior population, met at the wall to list their goals Tuesday.
The public art project has been in Chattanooga for two months. It is among more than 3,000 walls in 70 countries, its opening words written in the native language, inviting viewers to reimagine their relationship with death and one another.
Hospice of Chattanooga’s medical director, Dr. Greg Phelps, suggested that Hospice of Chattanooga sponsor the project after hearing the wall’s creator speak at a conference.
Candy Chang created the first “Before I Die” wall on an abandoned house in her New Orleans neighborhood after grieving the death of a close friend. She covered the house with the prompt “Before I Die I Want To” . and then left spaces blank.
The community took its cue to participate.
“It’s so important that people think beyond the hustle and bustle of the day,” says Phelps. “We want to begin with the end in mind.”
Chang’s neighbors filled in spaces on the house from top to bottom. The response gave Chang comfort and reminded her that she was not alone.
Chang has recorded her neighbors’ musings on her website, candychang.com: “Before I Die I Want To See my daughter graduate. Sing for millions. Abandon all insecurities. And get my wife back.”
The Atlantic called the wall “one of the most creative community projects ever,” according to the site.
“This is space in which we can examine our common anxieties, contemplate mortality and better understand what it means to be human,” says Chang. Her quote is included on the wall at Renaissance Park.
Hayley Beacham walked up to the wall with co-worker Lauren LeFevor to write her request.
“Don’t watch,” said Beacham as she smiled and scribbled in orange chalk her wish to “make a difference.”
LeFevor said she wants to “change lives.”
Both women work for older adults with disabilities. They describe the population as vulnerable and underserved population. Beacham, who graduated college a year ago, said she believes she is called to make a positive difference in their lives.
Retired UTC librarian Bill Prince stopped his car in front of the wall earlier this month to read the entries. That day they included: Travel around the world. See UT win the SEC. See my grandchildren! Kiss Jill one last time!
“It’s very healthy if you’re 50 or 60 years old and you see yourself for the next 20 years and you say I want to do these things. But if I don’t put them down as a goal, I won’t do them,” said Prince.
Mac says he talked to one local man determined to write his wish on the “Before I Die” wall at Renaissance Park.
The wall was filled with goals on the day he came. But the man stretched to reach an empty space.
The man believed if he wrote his desire, then his wish to meet his estranged daughter was more likely to come true.
Contact Yolanda Putman at yputman@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6431.