Sheryl Oring, chair of App State’s Department of Applied Design, sits at her mobile desk at the College Art Association Annual Conference in Chicago in February to chat with participants in her interactive project “Spirit of Independence,” which honors America’s 250th anniversary. Photo by Scot Wittman
BOONE, N.C. — Dressed as a 1960s-era secretary, Appalachian State University’s Sheryl Oring has taken her interactive performance “Spirit of Independence” — and her vintage typewriter — to stops across America and Europe, inviting participants to share their perspectives on independence. To date, more than 300 individuals have taken part in the project.
Oring’s work coincides with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which is being celebrated across the country through America250 — a national initiative featuring numerous events and programming to commemorate the event.
Patti Charleston, of Missouri, who participated in Sheryl Oring’s interactive “Spirit of Independence” project, shared this reflection on the meaning of independence: “Independence means to me - education, because independence gives us the freedom to choose whatever life that we would like.” Oring is chair of App State’s Department of Applied Design. Photo submitted
In “Spirit of Independence,” Oring, who is chair of App State’s Department of Applied Design, asks participants who approach her mobile office to consider what independence means to them. Using her typewriter, she captures their responses verbatim and creates carbon copies — one for the participant and one for her archive.
Oring explained that, through “Spirit of Independence,” she is creating a living record of how people are thinking about independence today.
“The project contributes contemporary voices to the broader national conversation about democracy, citizenship and civic life,” said Oring. “What has been most striking is the thoughtfulness of the responses and the ways participants connect individual stories to broader civic ideals.”
In addition to taking “Spirit of Independence” across the map, Oring aims to work with educators to adapt the project for K–12 students in classrooms and youth programs at the local, regional and national levels.
“I’m especially interested in how the project can help young people connect ideas of independence, civic participation, listening and public voice,” shared Oring, who plans to bring the project to App State’s Boone campus this fall.
A participant considers what independence means to them during Sheryl Oring’s performance of “Spirit of Independence” at the Venice Biennale. Oring, chair of App State’s Department of Applied Design, uses a typewriter to create contemporary civic archives. Photo submitted
Documenting public life
“Spirit of Independence” isn’t Oring’s first time behind a typewriter: Her 2016 “I Wish to Say” project came to App State as part of the Smith Gallery’s visiting artist series. Oring typed postcard messages to the year’s presidential candidates as dictated by participants, who were then responsible for mailing the cards.
Historically, typewriters were used to document public life, explained Oring, who uses the medium to create contemporary civic archives.
“The typewriter slows down communication and makes the exchange more personal and intentional,” said Oring. “It creates a one-on-one interaction that feels different from digital communication.”
Participant responses shared as part of Sheryl Oring’s “Spirit of Independence” project are displayed at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. In the project, Oring asks participants to consider — what does independence mean to you? Photo by Sheryl Oring
Recently, Oring took “Spirit of Independence” on the road to the College Art Association Annual Conference in Chicago and to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, as part of the exhibition “America 250: Common Threads.” As artist-in-residence, she performed the project during the exhibition’s opening celebration and again on June 6 and 7.
“Spirit of Independence” was first presented last summer in Venice, Italy, as part of the official U.S. Pavilion exhibition for the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of the Venice Biennale. Oring also presented it at the McColl Center in Charlotte in November 2025.
Oring’s work has been supported by the North Carolina Arts Council and is the subject of a forthcoming monograph titled “Secretary to the People: Civic Engagement Through the Art of Sheryl Oring.”
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About the Department of Applied Design
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department Applied Design at Appalachian State University fosters excellence in design education, design research and professional placement. The department balances theoretical and pragmatic approaches while exploring an awareness of impact through design decisions on the global community. Faculty focus on a holistic approach to creative problem-solving by integrating sustainability and ethical responsibility in teaching and practice. The department offers bachelor’s degrees in apparel design and merchandising, industrial design and interior design. Learn more at https://design.appstate.edu.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at https://cfaa.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
