City of Lawrence Welcomes “Parade of Hearts” Sculpture to South Park
“Inclusion Starts with the Heart” was conceptualized by the individual and community services team at Easterseals Midwest. Led by lead artist and Art Coordinator Cassi Weaver, more than 100 individuals contributed to its creation. Many of the artists are individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, who live in and serve the greater Kansas City area. The collaborative effort reflects a shared belief that everyone belongs and that creativity thrives when communities come together.
This one-of-a-kind fiberglass heart weighs 70-80 pounds and has been securely installed with additional weighting, bringing its total to just under 400 pounds. Each heart in the exhibit, including the one in Lawrence, is also equipped with a GPS tracker to ensure its safety and stewardship throughout the display period.
The Parade of Hearts was launched in 2021 to unite the Kansas City region through art, transforming public spaces into an open-air gallery of handcrafted heart sculptures. This year, the initiative expands across approximately 70 cities, featuring 150 uniquely designed hearts.
The regional showcase will coincide with a summer of increased visitation, offering residents and visitors alike an opportunity to explore and experience the creativity and compassion that define the Heartland. When soccer fans visit the Kansas City area this summer, they will have the chance to see 150 hearts as art spread across 70 different cities. Fans of this regional installation can join in a “heart hunt” — the opportunity to ascend a leaderboard as they visit each installed sculpture.
As part of this broader regional effort, Lawrence’s participation highlights the city’s ongoing and unmistakable commitment to dynamic public art, inclusion in art creation and access to art.
All are encouraged to stop by “Inclusion Starts With the Heart” in South Park, experience the installation and reflect on the message it carries: When we experience art together, we build a stronger, more inclusive community.
For more information about the Parade of Hearts regional installations and the artists who created each sculpture, visit https://theparadeofhearts.com
Media Contact: City Communications, citycommunications@lawrenceks.gov
About the City of Lawrence
The City of Lawrence supports an unmistakably vibrant community with innovative, equitable, transparent and responsible local government. Together, we are creating a community where everyone can enjoy life and feel at home.
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