The map is the world’s largest puzzle, with 60,000 pieces, put together by Gina Dreyer, associate director of international services.
Photo: Gina Dreyer poses in front of the 60,000-piece puzzle on the third floor of the SMC Campus Center.
The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) celebrated International Education Week on Nov. 16 by unveiling an artwork display on the third floor of the SMC Campus Center. But it isn't an ordinary piece of art: It is an image of a world map that is the world’s largest puzzle, with 60,000 pieces, put together by Gina Dreyer, associate director of international services.
Dreyer has been puzzling since she was a toddler, getting her start with a floor puzzle of the United States. It’s no surprise that her interest in geography and putting together puzzles of maps sprung from there.
“When I learned in October 2022 that there was a 'world’s largest puzzle,' thanks to my social media algorithm, I had to have it immediately. I had no idea where I was going to display it when I was done,” Dreyer said. “Then one day in September, I got off the elevator on my way to work, and the light bulb went off, there was a big, empty wall on the third floor of the Campus Center! I was thrilled and began my campaign to get it approved to go up.”
Dreyer’s husband, Aaron Bristol, was instrumental in making the display a reality. He designed and built the wood frames backing the puzzles and meticulously hung them.
On installation day, Dreyer was shocked by the level of interest among Campus Center staff. Yarnell Stubbs, EVS staff who works in the building, was the biggest cheerleader. She was calling coworkers and telling them to come see it and pointing it out excitedly to all passersby. Event Services staff Kenny Anderson was relieved to get some advice on gluing a puzzle together, lamenting that he had one on his dining room table for almost a year.
“There were so many questions, I had no idea people would think this was so cool,” Dreyer said.
The puzzle shows depictions of famous landmarks, with tiny details that remind Dreyer of looking through a "Where’s Waldo?" book. Next to the display, you’ll find a list of things to look for. The CGE team wants those enjoying the puzzle to let it know “What have you found in the puzzle depictions that brings you joy?” by dropping a note in the lockbox in the lobby.
Dreyer says the puzzle map is the perfect metaphor for the interconnectedness of our world. Each piece is an important part of the big picture, but all pieces are needed to create something truly beautiful.