By Sherri Birkheimer Rooker
posted
Aug 22, 2012
From two artists and community members painting on a sunny
afternoon, came an idea from the heart. Mary Crowley and Karen
Seward thought it was time to again bring attention to the people,
places and businesses in Rutland and our region, and came up with
the idea of having oversized hearts as the next street art
project. It would showcase how our community comes together
year after year, showing heart in so many ways: The Gift of Life
Blood Drive, Halloween Parade, Pack the Paramount Food Drive, and
so much more.
Then along came Irene who could have destroyed our region. But,
the strength and heart of our people, businesses and community
proved that now was the time to showcase all we have to offer. This
was when a project from the heart was born. Many have seen photos
and heard stories of the Tropical Storm Irene devastation in
Rutland and our region. Lives were lost, homes were destroyed, and
towns were cut off. And through this difficult time, what stood out
was the strength, courage and resourcefulness of Vermonters. It was
the amazing heartfelt community support of people helping friends,
family, neighbors, and those they didn't even know. From this
disaster, an amazing thing happened, Vermont became one community
helping others in need. Vermont became a project of the heart.
After Hurricane Irene, the feeling that it was the right time to
do a community street art project became even stronger, and so The
heARTs of Rutland! began to evolve.
The heARTs of Rutland! is about celebrating our people and pride
in everything the region has to offer, and how our people,
businesses and community come together showing heart in so many
ways.
Talented area artists have painted and embellished the 30
oversized hearts that are on display in Rutland and the Region for
all to see and enjoy. These 4-foot fiberglass hearts celebrate the
creativity of our local arts community, and create a sense of
excitement and vibrancy within our region, welcoming people to
visit and explore what we have to offer.
There will be a live auction of the hearts on November 2 at the
Paramount Theatre in Downtown Rutland. There will also be a silent
auction, "Art from the heART," that will be made up of wonderful
Vermont handmade items and artwork. This project benefits Rutland
and the region with profits distributed to victims of disaster in
the Rutland Region through the Long Term Recovery Committee of
Rutland County and children's art education.
Tagged:
hurricane irene, community, heART's of Rutland
