The group began considering the Quittie creek project while still engaged in the hay-bale sculpture. Initially, when the entire project was conceived, project 2 (or the Quittie Creek Project as it was named) was to involve the community. Fortunately, while we were working on the hay-bale sculpture, Ermina Guth, from the North Lebanon middle school, contacted us through one of our student members (art education major, Sara Semcheski), who was student-observing at the school. Ermina Guth expressed her keen interest in the project and asked how she and her art students could be involved. Taylor contacted Ermina and asked if she would like to play a significant role in the Quittie Creek Project.

Once the hay-bale sculpture was disassembled, the group turned their attention to the Quittie Creek Project. During the first planning meeting, the group discussed those ancient river rituals found predominantly in Asia. For example, the Tōrō nagashi floating lantern ritual and the Ganges Candlelit paper boat ceremonies were discussed. The group felt the Quittie creek offered a terrific opportunity to stage a similar ritualistic event. Likewise, the group felt that the strong community aspect of the Japanese or Indian rituals suited our project’s desire for widespread community involvement.

Because the entire thematic of all the projects centers upon environmental issues, it was thought that we could ask the boat builders—who were the students and local community—to write a letter to the future generation. The letter would be placed within the boat and would act like a small sail. As a symbolic gesture, the letter would prompt the author to consider their own relationship to the environment, and, in particular, the Quittie waterway. Such reflection may bring focus to one’s own environmental impact, whether positive or negative. While the content of the letter remains open, the group felt it necessary to request the author address the letter to future generations.

The next stage was to build a model of the boat. It was decided that paraffin wax was a suitable material. Wax is buoyant, non-toxic, and biodegradable. While the boats were to be collected after a short distance down river, it was felt that if one was accidently lost, it would lessen any environmental impact on the creek if the construction materials were bio-safe. After Rachel Erk constructed a number of versions of the boat (with varying hull depth and deck surface), the group tested them in the fast flowing Quittie creek. Because it did not sink, even when capsizing, the wax boat was deemed to be a very good design.