Red Deerians are painting hearts to say thank you to frontline workers.
“We’re going to take these hearts and create a big community piece to put up at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre,” local artist Erin Boake said.
“We’ll make a big collage of all the paintings, just to give back to the hospital and all frontline workers who have been working so hard during the whole pandemic.”
Families were invited to paint the hearts at Roland Plaza, on 50 Avenue in downtown Red Deer, on Saturday.
There will be another day of painting hearts this Saturday at Imperial Block from noon to 4 p.m.
Red Deerians of all ages are invited to participate in this project, by using provided acrylic paints and canvases. Boake will then combine the painted hearts into one large artwork.
Physical distancing was in effect during Saturday’s event – sanitizer and masks were provided.
The community art project is part of Red Deer’s Alberta Culture Days programming, which runs through September.
Other events during Alberta Culture Days include dance lessons and demonstrations, museum exhibitions, art demonstrations, storytelling and live music.
“We’re excited to partner with local arts and culture organizations to once again share this celebration with Red Deerians,” city culture superintendent Tara O’Donnel said in a statement.
“Delivery methods for some events have been changed to online or outdoor, and we hope the community feels encouraged to participate and learn more about our city’s thriving arts and culture sector.
“Community is a key component of Alberta Culture Days and this project is a way Red Deerians can show united support for local frontline health care workers while observing public health restrictions.”
For more information on Red Deer’s Alberta Culture Days events, including the community art project, visit www.reddeer.ca/albertaculturedays.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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