It has been a difficult time for many people during the pandemic. Some have not been able to be with their friends and family and are feeling disconnected and isolated. The Imagination Network is hoping to help bridge this gap through a unique community engaged arts project.
Sandy Buck from The Imagination Network designed a six-foot tall anatomical heart sculpture made of wire and fabric. It was featured during Backstage Pass, an online showcase about the lived experience of dementia.
“We asked people to share their thoughts or the names of people they feel disconnected from so we could add them to the heart,” Buck said. “It really seemed to resonate with folks. We received over 100 contributions from people across the world.”
You can watch Backstage Pass at www.imaginationnetwork.org/events/
It was such a great success that The Imagination Network decided to open up the project to rest of the Sunshine Coast community. They are inviting everyone to share messages about their loved ones so they can add it to the heart sculpture. It could be the name of a person, a thought, or even a short poem.
Six feet is close enough to feel the heart’s energy of those who are near you. For those with whom you cannot share heart space, please send their name or a message to add to this evolving sculpture. The project will continue throughout the summer. To contribute, send an email to: chloe@deercrossingtheart farm.org.
The Imagination Network is a diverse group of artists, healthcare professionals, academics and advocates engaging in creative projects with older adults aiming to change the way we view and experience aging in our community. Learn more at: www.imaginationnetwork.org/
– Submitted by Kelly Foley, Deer Crossing the Art Farm
