Nicci Mangano

 

The Honeycomb Project reflects our connections to one another through our environment and shared spaces. Contemplating the visual meaning of these words lead to the thought of state symbols. First thoughts followed the idea of interconnectedness. Nicci has previously lived in New York and Georgia. Residing in three very different parts of the United States allowed her to meet many people from many different backgrounds, making friends with people who now reside in countries throughout the world.

​As a current resident of Nevada, Nicci chose the state bird a Mountain Bluebird and the state insect the Vivid Dancer Damselfly. Both insects and birds are essential to the ecosystem. Insects help with pollination, nutrient cycling, pest control, and maintaining food webs. They are a crucial food source for many animals and contribute to the health and stability of ecosystems. Birds control insect populations, disperse seeds, and pollinate flowers. The bird and insect are placed on two linked hexagons representing connections across the state (the country and the world). Connections represent what the Hexagon Project is all about. This accomplishment would not have happened without the representation and joining of artists within the region.