Before I Die

Mahaney Arts Center, Lower Lobby

This interactive public art installation invites members of the Middlebury community to reflect on what matters most. By sharing personal hopes and aspirations on a communal wall, the project fosters connection, introspection, and a celebration of our shared humanity. Inspired by the global Before I Die project, this installation transforms public space into a canvas for gratitude, memory, and possibility.

Internationally-renowned visual artist Candy Chang first created Before I Die in New Orleans, after the death of a loved one. Thanks to passionate people around the world, over 5,000 Before I Die walls have now been created by communities in over 75 countries, including Iraq, China, Brazil, Finland, Kazakhstan, India, and Nigeria. The Atlantic called it “one of the most creative community projects ever,” and Candy Chang’s TED talk about Before I Die has been viewed over five million times and translated into over 40 languages.

Each wall is created by local residents who want to make a space in their community to reflect with one another. Each is a unique tribute to living an examined life. Middlebury’s installation was organized by students Camiel Schroeder ’26.5 and Susan Dong ’25.5 with the Mahaney Arts Center and the Center for Creativity, Innovation, and Social Entrepreneurship, with support from the David S. Stone ’74 Tree House Fund. 

On view through December 8. Read more about Before I Die at https://www.candychang.com/beforeidie/