Briscoe Library Builds a Wall
It all started with a request to the library from Sandra Sanchez-Reilly MD (Clinical Professor in the Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology and Palliative Medicine) on behalf of a project in collaboration with community partners (Vitas Hospice, University Health System, GRECC, Audie L. Murphy VA) and UT Health San Antonio. Starting with just one two-sided wall section, librarians and staff began the wall building process utilizing mobile poster boards.
The wall was designed based on an international interactive public art project entitled Before I Die created by artist Candy Chang. Materials were provided by project partners facilitated by Jennifer LaCoss MD ( Assistant Professor of Medicine UT Health Palliative Medicine) and Rachel Vandermeer MD (Assistant Professor Pediatrics – Ambulatory Care) pictured below.
From May 8 to 16, the wall eventually grew to 6 sections, 12 sides, as over 300 people contributed their personal responses to the statement, Before I die, I want to… Later in conjunction with a showing of the FRONTLINE documentary Being Mortal featuring author Atul Gwande, the wall was moved to the Lecture hall commons area just outside of the Pestana Lecture Hall.