Checking in with the Big Whimsy

What are these play challenge winners up to?

What happens when adults and children spend time together, creating something that can be shared with the community? Meredith Levine and Megan Emery explore this idea as leaders of the Big Whimsy, a project that allows people of all backgrounds and ages the opportunity to have fun together. The Big Whimsy has brought a new level of creativity to the concept of play as it pushes people to think and act outside the box.

This past month, the group spent several afternoons on the 4th floor of the Chattanooga Public Library building a larger-than-life, glow-in-the-dark version of the game Pick Up Sticks in addition to a giant, portable, coloring fort. When we asked Meredith and Megan what they’ve enjoyed the most, they told us that they were pleased to see so many different people come out and help over the course of five days. These people were of different age groups, socioeconomic statuses, levels of building abilities, and ethnic backgrounds. Everyone was able to contribute their own unique flair to the project, along with loads of laughter. Megan told us the project made it pretty clear to her that this kind of play has the ability to bring people together here in Chattanooga.

The Big Whimsy didn’t end with just the finished product, because “going big” means engaging adults too. So the team brought their Pick Up Sticks to the streets! Their first appearance was at a 90’s dance party, where people moved to the beat of throwback tunes, remembering the days of being a kid as they played the giant game of Pick Up Sticks. The Big Whimsy plans to visit several other events around town, offering a youthful energy with their creations. Be on the lookout for their next appearance!