Don Williams writes:

Groopsters

I recently had an amazing opportunity to work on a truly mind

bending object.

Recently the Smithsonian was given a 1/4 scale model of the Ten

Thousand Springs Pavilion from the Forbidden City, Beijing, China.

Two weeks ago I was charged with overseeing the assembly of the

model for exhibit. The model is approximately 10' x 10' x 10' and

consists of hundreds of precisely crafted and intricately interlocking

pieces of carved red sandalwood! (It must have been like carving

concrete)

For two days I worked alongside Chinese craftsmen to assemble the

Pavilion. They spoke no English, I speak no Mandarin, yet we

communicated in the common language of craftsmanship. It was a

truly exhilarating experience.

I would be delighted to show you the Pavilion in person between

now and the close of the exhibit on June 4. I would be even more

delighted if anyone wants to come and help me disassemble the

structure on June 6/7. Maybe we could even make it a Groop

Event? I can't pay anything, and can only promise hard work under

exacting demands. But it will be something you remember for the

rest of your life. And of course I will probably cook some ribs for

those who come to help.

Here's a website with more information about the exhibit and