Centennial community-based art project installed in north Oshawa

How many Hearts are in the new community art project now adorning the walls at the Delpark Home Studios in Oshawa?

The LivingRoom Community Art Studio, which created the paper quilt with the City of Oshawa and members of the local art community, can count the ways. More 300 individual perspectives, stories and aspirations, in fact, in a hanging artwork that symbolizes “the bonds we share as neighbours, families and friends,” said studio founder Mary Krohnert.

The quilt is made up of four banners measuring 4’ x 6.5’ each that hold more than 300 felted paper hearts. The participants, Krohnert said, shared what was in their heart through art.

“Each one is a representation of individual perspectives, histories, and hopes. Together, these stories reveal a narrative of Oshawa’s past, present and future, creating a vivid, tactile representation of a shared identity,” she explained. “It is a reminder that, despite our differences, we are bound together through the love we carry for one another and our larger community. In these hearts, we see a dynamic representation of Oshawa and the promise our centennial spirit holds for our future.”

The ‘How Many Hearts? project was created over the course of the summer in celebration of Oshawa’s centennial with mulberry paper and permanent marker. Each heart represents a unique expression of what matters most to each participant and is now on display at the Delpark Centre in the northeast end of the city.

The art piece has been added to the city’s public art collection and will be on display at the community centre for six months.

The LivingRoom Community Art Studio was founded by Krohnert, an actor, art therapist and social practice artist, in 2013 and went mobile during the pandemic.

Last year the non-profit art studio made art with 1,500 people through the Mobile Art Hive.