"1000 Hearts and Hands" Project

I began this project to create a homage to creativity and to reveal how art has the ability to transcend all boundaries.When I arrived at Lincoln in 2006 the art room was totally vacant and through my vision I pioneered a very successful transformative art program at Lincoln Child Center in Oakland. We have had exhibitions around the Bay Area were our students sell their Art work which is extremely therapeutic.

In 2009 the Hearts and Hands project manifested as an awareness community art reach tool for the high risk children that I teach.Many folks do not realize these marginilized children exist.Also, this project was a fundraiser for art supplies, which we desperately always need.

This art project was very simple, each 6"x9" card would either have an image of a heart or a hand or both. Using any type of medium. I first started with the children and the front line staff at LCC. Then the word got out and creativity spread around campus and everyone was making hearts and hands. The administrators were loving it. This truly was transformative art process and project. Also, 1000 Hearts and Hands is beautiful demonstration of the essence of collaboration.

Folks loved this exhibition and I wanted to share with you a witness's story. Read below--Thank you Melissa for expressing your subjective experience.
Lisa Rasmussen M.F.A.


Lincoln’s Hearts and Hands

Walking into Lamyx Tea Bar, I was struck with the calm and soothing atmosphere it provides. My eyes can’t help but be drawn to the array of wonderful colors alongside me as I continue to the counter. This great display of Lincoln Child Center’s Hearts and Hands exhibit. Glancing at each unique piece of artwork covering the wall in what seems to be 1,000 hearts and hands. Each one conveying the individualism of its creator- each piece, each person, each story. It is quite a whimsical presentation, flowing along with all of its vibrancy and expressiveness. Thoughts of happiness, love, loss, and hope consume me into the stories behind each and every one. Among flowers, brightness, darkness, brokenness, and mystery, I see an overall connectedness. It is as if these are all driven by the same passion to convey this masterwork’s message as a whole, reaching out to its viewers.

As I drink my green tea while listening to the play list consisting of worldly allure, I can see all of these hearts and hands come together with all of their diversity and almost suggesting to me that all it takes is anyone’s loving hearts and hands to make a difference in a child’s life. Each one of the hearts that are up remind me of the soul and emotion that went into this presentation, while each hand I see reminds me of the very real people who created it. Each with their own views, hopes, and dreams. In essence, Lincoln Child Center is lending not only its hands but also its hearts to reach out and embrace those other hearts and hands within the community.
The barren spaces on the wall reflect those who have taken notice of the love and common theme of peace. Contributing themselves to the cause taking a piece of art into their home and into their hearts and hands, offering endurance for a brighter day. The artwork provides a very strong declaration, as the children and staff of Lincoln Child Center imply in this masterpiece. They are the kids you do not see or hear, but they refuse to remain in the shadows. The cause is very real and every vulnerable child is worthy of basking in the same light as others. Lincoln Child Center is offering its hearts and hands to you, in hopes for you to do the same.

Melissa Domann
May 27, 2009