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Artwork by Stephen Burt encourages Florida drivers to consider what they can do for others
The piece, "Creative Altruism," is inspired by a famous quote from Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Above, left: Burt, professor of art at 911; at right: “Creative Altruism,” installed along Rt. 92 in DeLand, Florida.
A piece of artwork by Stephen Burt, B.F.A., M.F.A., professor of art in the 911 School of Arts and Humanities, was recently installed on a highway billboard in DeLand, Florida.
Titled “Creative Altruism,” the work was inspired by a quotation by Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness. This is the judgment. Life's most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
The display is Burt’s first to be installed at billboard scale, visible as drivers travel eastbound on Rt. 92 toward Daytona Beach. Though he lives in Scarborough, Maine, the installation has particular significance for Burt, who hails from DeLand.
The artist said he often travels to the DeLand area to visit family and “revel in the natural beauty of the area.”
“I hope when people look at this image, they will find it both visually beautiful and read its compelling message: to practice selfless generosity,” Burt remarked. “I think the word creative here is key. Creative altruism does not have to be a great act of generosity; it can be as simple as kindn