Hand prints have been discovered in caves and cliff walls all over the world, dating back to the Paleolithic era. The oldest one, found in Indonesia, is about 67,800 years old. Researchers have concluded that 25% of these hand prints and stencils were made by young children. What did they mean? I believe making a hand print was a way of saying, “I’m here,” “We were here,” and “This is our community.”
What did they mean? I believe making a hand print was a way of saying, “I’m here,” “We were here,” and “This is our community.”
The “Lend A Hand” project, created by Clara Cohan, is a modern way to make the same announcement of our presence. The only thing different now is that those who participate in making the hand prints will also add where their ancestors came from, which is a statement about our current community.
We’d love for you to join this current-day communal project! There are a few ways you can participate. You can come visit the Pearl Gallery (594 Congress St., Portland, Maine) on a free First Friday Art Walk. Clara will bring you to her studio, the Red Room, where colored chalks will be waiting! Or, you can email Clara at (claracohan2@gmail.com) and make arrangements to visit her studio at a time that works best for you.
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