“HeARTS Alive in Wayne County” – 2022 Summer Outdoor Art Project

The Wayne County Arts Alliance presents their Summer Arts Project titled “HeARTS ALIVE in Wayne County”. We want visitors and locals alike to know this is a welcoming community! You will notice, as you travel around the county visiting different businesses, many heart sculptures artistically painted by 51 of our area artists; from middle and high school students to our professional artists.

We would like to thank Weis Markets in being instrumental for the success of this project, with their contribution of umbrella bases which is the foundation for the heart sculptures. Home Depot has provided the lumber that New Wave generously cut into heart shapes. Dirlam Brothers then offered the hardware and primer paint. Followed by 51 artists donating their creative time with area businesses sponsoring each heart sculpture at their location.

The Summer Arts Program is designed to bring the arts to the outdoors for everyone to enjoy. This year the public can enjoy the 50 heart sculptures placed throughout the county with a map at www.waynecountyartsalliance.org indicating each location. It makes a great adventure for families and friends to take the time to visit each spot to view all the wonderfully created pieces.

This year, the artists did an outstanding job transforming their hearts into something distinctive. As you travel around the county you will notice many birds and other wildlife painted on the hearts by Phyllis Chekenian, Kelly Nast, Amy Smith, Bozena Janiszewski, Jess Repa and Jill Carletti. We must have had a hard winter! A clever conceptual piece done by Jay Hostetter is located at Ellis Law firm and many abstract and colorful pieces dot the surroundings. You will have to check out BeKind Bakehouse and enjoy the bees created by Amy Goff! Also, a favorite may be the ode to the Beatles, done by Rebecca Rinella-Hayden being enjoyed at Mick’s Barber Shop. While at Mick’s don’t miss out seeing the rodeo by Jackie Albano happening at The Twisted Rail. And for the motorcycle enthusiasts….go to Dirlam Bros. The messages are all heart felt, fun, and uplifting, another example of just how unique and creative we all are!

Thank you to Home Depot, Weis Market, New Wave and Dirlam Brothers for your support, along with all the businesses who sponsored a sculpture. The Wayne County Arts Alliance would also like to extend a big thank you to all the artists who put their icing on the top! Thanks to all for helping to make HeARTS ALIVE in Wayne County another wonderful event and helping the Wayne County Arts Alliance show everyone what a thriving, creative community we live in!

Enjoy the summer HeARTS!

-Ellen Silberlicht, HeARTS Project Leader