 I've recently taken on one of the biggest projects of my career as an artist for the Parade of Hearts. This has been my first experience working with glass, sculpture, and an entirely new creative process. It's been a learning opportunity is more ways than I can say and I'm so grateful for this experience. Throughout the process, I've received a lot of comments, questions, and concerns. Here, I'm sharing more in-depth details about the project, the process, and what's to come. THE PROJECT  What is this for? The Parade of Hearts, a Heartland Celebration. What is the Parade of Hearts? The Parade of Hearts is a collective art initiative that will place various heart sculptures throughout the KC Metro Area in early Spring 2022. How many hearts are there? There are 154 hearts designed by 123 artists. Each heart will be a vision that is unique to each artist and their experience of 2020 and 2021. What happens to the hearts at the end of the Parade? All of the hearts will be auctioned in June with funds distributed to four area organizations: Alt-Cap, Mid-America Regional Council, University of Kansas Health System and Visit KC Foundation.  PARADE OF HEARTS, A HEARTLAND CELEBRATION To learn more about the Parade of Hearts, visit https://theparadeofhearts.com. THE PIECE + THE PROCESSWhat's the name of it? In Reflection How big is it? Roughly 5½ feet by 5½ feet. What is it made of? Originally formed out of plexiglass and then primed, my heart was made using 1" x 1" square mirrored glass tiles and construction adhesive to create a desired disco ball effect. 
What was the inspiration? The initial scope of the project was to illustrate a heart form to reflect your own experience of 2020 and 2021. My heart was inspired by a disco ball that I placed in the corner of my home office. Every day at sunrise and sunset, the sun would hit the ball just right to explode light across my office. This offered small moments of joy throughout my day. In connection to 2020, this piece is a physical illustration of our experiences in quarantine. Left alone, we were encouraged to reflect upon ourselves and our communities. The mirrors represent that internal reflection while the reflected light fragments illustrate the outreach of support, empathy, and understanding to our communities. How many tiles are on it? An estimated more than 6,500 tiles were used, each one placed by hand. How long did it take? The original form was picked up in November of 2021 and returned in late February of 2022. At least 60 hours were needed to complete this piece. 
Where was it during the parade? In Reflection was situated in Courtyard Park in the public square of downtown Smithville, MO. Was it weather-proofed? Yes, a lot of the materials were either able to endure the weather or were reinforced to sustain changing weather conditions. Was it dangerous to local drivers? Because of the curvature of the sculpture, any reflected light was minimal to nearby pedestrians and street traffic.
   AFTER THE PARADEWhere is it now? In Reflection is currently at home with Dance Fit Flow in the Crossroads district. All proceeds of the auction were donated to local affiliated charities. Can we see it? Guests of Dance Fit Flow will see it in the lobby however those walking on the sidewalk outside may be able to catch a glimpse inside the window.    Big, huge, sincere thank you to everyone who has encouraged and supported my art over the years. I truly couldn't do it without you. Here's to many more projects to come! MORE ON THE BLOG
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