It's roughly300 miles between here and the University of Maine-Presque Isle. And Tim Berry is making the trip on foot. In a very, very big dress.

Berry is a senior art student at the University of Maine-Farmington and his state-crossing journey may sound complicated at first, but see if you can follow. The walk across Maine is Berry's senior project, the culmination of public art installations he's done over his time at UMF. It's also a fundraiser to help support United Way programs.

Berry started his hike, in something akin to a bright pink southern belle ball gown, at the University of Southern Maine last Thursday, heading up Route 4 to UMF. By his own estimates, right now he should be on Route 2 walking from UMF to the University of Maine in Orono. His plan calls for the journey to end a week from Thursday at UM Presque Isle. (Tim, where's the GPS tracking page? The updates? The videoblogs?)

So what's the goal of this social experiment/footrace (or as Berry calls it, a "Drag-a-thon")? Berry's project is aimed at exploring stereotypes and other misconceptions and confronting them with something as universal as the spirit of giving.

In Berry's words: "What does one do when they have to choose between donating to a worthy charity or holding onto the idea that drag queens are immoral?"

This is not the first time Berry has tried to tackle the issue of prejudice through art and charity. His past work includes dressing as Marie Antoinette (on a seesaw) for a student art project...and helping raise money, this time for Keep ME Warm. Not only did he survive the elements, but he raised $1,000 for charity and a decent amount of food.

If you're interested in finding out more on his current journey or donating head to his First Giving page.

We'll try and track down Tim to talk, or at the least get the highlights once he reaches Presque Isle next week.

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