The theme for this first installation in 2008 was “The American Dream” and the question it asked participants was: To what do you pledge your allegiance?

Embodied in the piece were the concepts of 1) Self-Reflection, 2) the Feminine, 3) Native American wisdom, 4) Community, and 4) Intention.

Flags for each of the Four Directions set the perimeter. Visitors were invited to sit and be the 13th to complete a circle of human female casts before entering the tipi by walking through the circle. Each woman embodied a different human quality, which was written across her chest in calligraphy: Compassion, Courage, Creativity, Fairness, Heart,  Intention, Laughter, Love, Optimism, Self-Awareness, Truth, Vision, Wilderness, Wisdom.

Inside the tipi were oriental rugs, pillows, and candles. In the center was a table with a box filled with paper strips and pencils. People were invited to answer the question in writing and leave clipped inside the tipi to inspire others. At the end of the week the inside of the tipi was filled with answers, fluttering like feathers in the wind.

To what do you pledge your allegiance?

Elements:
• 4 flags for the Four Directions
• Tipi
• 12 plaster casts of women (+ 1 empty spot)
• "Betsy Ross" flag of 13 stars in a circle
• Constitution-covered chair
• Stone path
• Oriental rugs & pillows
• String lights & bees wax candles
• Letter box: paper, pencils, sharpeners
• Hemp twine, wooden clothespins
• 24/7 solar-powered audio