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Hearts of the Community - Ames, Iowa
Tahira & Labh Hira Park3622 Woodland St, Ames, IA 50014
The Hearts of the Community public art piece at the Tahira and Labh Hira Park, the former location of Edwards Elementary School, colorfully honors the past while it resonates with multiple generations in the community. Reading about the Hiras’ fond memories of children walking to and from school sparked the idea of paper chain children, a fun and easy school craft. The art features 10 children holding hands, creating heart-shaped spaces between them, evoking a sense of belonging, with 5 teachers in the center to celebrate how teachers uplift students with education and encouragement. This art piece can also be a counting game, counting the children by tens to 100, as an added activity around the outer sidewalk.
Wes Spencer with SpenCo Metal Works in Enid, OK, did an excellent job fabricating the art with sheets of steel, hinges, and braces. Then AceCoats, also in Enid, sandblasted and powder coated the pieces in 5 happy colors. Wes Spencer continuously applies his engineering knowledge to my designs to bring them to life. We all enjoyed our time in Ames installing the art with the wonderfully helpful Ames Parks and Recreation team. We hope the Hearts of the Community art inspires togetherness, counting, and crafts and brings smiles to multiple generations who enjoy the park today and have treasured memories of the location’s school days. Thank you to the City of Ames, Iowa, and their Public Art Commission for selecting our design as part of their Art in the Parks program! |
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