DU QUOTIDIEN
This month’s 20 Years feature highlights a unique international collaboration where diplomacy meets creativity: Du Quotidien, a project developed through Western Carolina University’s course Public Practice. In 2017, students and creatives from Western Carolina University (WCU), led by Professor and MFA Director Tom Ashcraft, partnered with Art in Embassies (AIE) and photographer Max Hirschfeld to create artwork for the new U.S. Embassy in Niamey, Niger.
Centered on cultural connection and exchange, Du Quotidien serves as a bridge between diverse communities and perspectives. WCU undergraduate and graduate students collaborated with faculty, visiting artists, designers, and scholars—participating in every phase of the project, from initial research and concept development to fabrication and final installation in Niger.
In fall 2017, Ashcraft, fellow professor Morgan Kennedy, and AIE curator Sarah Tanguy traveled to Niamey to meet with embassy staff, cultural leaders, educators, and local artists. Their visit laid the foundation for two commissions: Du Quotidien, a socially engaged, photo-based installation for the embassy’s interior, and Salt, Water, Millet, a bronze sculpture trio for the courtyard.
Du Quotidien was developed through two intensive workshops—first in Niamey with students and faculty from Université Abdou Moumouni (November 2018), and then in Cullowhee with WCU participants (January 2019). During each session, individuals sat for portraits, contributed a meaningful hand-held object for documentation, and shared brief reflections on their object and artistic identity.
The goal was to create a collaborative, cross-cultural artwork that fostered dialogue and curiosity about diplomacy through art. Emphasizing both exchange and empathy, the project honored Niger’s cultural legacy while inspiring global connection through a shared creative process.
DU QUODITIEN X DOT EDITIONS
Dot Editions played a pivotal role in the realization of Du Quotidien. Our involvement began with receiving high-resolution scanned images and photographs. With precise color control, we were able to provide accurate and vibrant prints.
For the physical presentation, we produced forty 46" × 30.5" face-mounted acrylic prints. This technique involves mounting photographic prints directly onto acrylic sheets, enhancing depth and clarity while providing a sleek, contemporary finish. To ensure structural integrity and ease of installation, each piece was backed with custom-cut aluminum bracing, offering both durability and a refined, gallery-ready aesthetic.
The collaboration between Dot Editions and Western Carolina University exemplifies the integration of professional expertise and academic resources, culminating in an exhibition that resonates with both visual impact and technical excellence.
PROJECT CREDITS
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Sarah Tanguy, independent curator and arts writer, curator at ART in Embassies (2004 – 2019), Washington D.C., https://sarahtanguy.com/
Tiffany R. Williams, Assistant Curator, Art in Embassies, US Department of State, Bureau of Overseas Building Operations, Washington D.C.
Catherine Martin Payen, film-maker, Director of Studies in Arts and Cultures, (2014 – 2019)
Studies in Arts and Cultures Program, Université Abdou Moumouni, Niamey, NigerAntoinette Tidjani Alou, researcher, translator, writer and promoter of the arts and culture in Niger,
Professor of French and Comparative Literature, Director of Performing Arts, University of Moumouni, Niamey, NigerBeth Moore, Administrative Support Associate, School of Art + Design, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC
Patricia Cantrell, Morgan Burnett, Office of Research Administration, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC
Morgan Kennedy, Assistant Professor, School of Art + Design, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC
Rocky Kenworthy, Du Quotidien, printing, digital, fabrication, DOT Editions, Asheville, North Carolina U.S., Doteditions.com https://doteditions.com/
Colby Caldwell, Du Quotidien, scanning boss, project support, REVOLVE, Asheville, North Carolina U.S. http://colbycaldwell.com/
Suzanne Codi, Du Quotidien, translation, Washington DC
Sara Method, Du Quotidien, editing and digital project management, https://saramethod.com/
Jonathan (Jamie) Arbolino, REGISTRAR, Art in Embassies, US Department of State, Bureau of Overseas Building Operations, Washington D.C.
Zac Willis, Art Installation/Consultation, Washington DC
Minh Le, Aia | NCARB, Design Manager, U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, Washington D.C.
Mr. Soumana Abdouramane Cissé, Cultural Affairs Specialist, U.S. Embassy, Niamey, Niger
Susan Solomon, Cultural Affairs Specialist, U.S. Embassy, Niamey, Niger
Blaine Dargavell, PE, Construction Manager, U.S. Embassy, Niamey, Niger
Chuck Chandonnet, Project Manager, B.L. Harbert International, U.S. Embassy, Niamey Nige
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations
Inferno Art Foundry, Salt Water Millet, bronze casting, Union City, Georgia http://infernoartfoundry.com/
Spencer Douglas, website design, https://darkwatercreatives.com/
David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts / School of Art + Design, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC
https://wcu.edu/learn/departments-schools-colleges/fpa/index.aspx/ http://wcumfa.com/Art in Embassies, U.S. Department of State, https://art.state.gov/western-carolina-university/
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Angela Babb (MAT)
Raymond Baccari (MFA)
Brendan Best, (MFA)
Samantha Blanchard (BSED)
Eli Blasko (MFA)
Kate Chassner (MFA)
Annabela Cockrell (BFA)
Kyra Deeter (BSED)
Chelsea Dobert-Kehn (MFA)
Javier Fox (MFA)
Constance Griffin (MAT)
Matt Hellgeth (MFA)
Perry Houlditch (MFA)
Samuel Hutchison (BFA)
Mo Kessler (MFA)
Todd Martin (BFA)
Sara Method (MFA)
Kylie Price (MFA)
Zachary Rogers (MFA)
Kaitlen Rowland (MAT)
Lydia See (MFA)
Taran Swimmer (MAT)
Lex Turnbull (MFA)
Charlotte White (MFA)