Aspinwall Riverfront Park wants to know what you are grateful for.
The Park plans a large-scale work of public art to focus on and inspire gratitude. The work will be composed of thousands of hanging colored ribbons, each with a hand-written note of what someone is grateful for.
To create the work, the Park wants to hear what people are grateful for from as many people of all ages, races, backgrounds as possible. Each ribbon will list a person’s initials and their gratitude.
Entitled “Waves of Gratitude”, the work of art will open to the public on the weekend of March 19th, which is Fred Roger’s Birthday and the one year anniversary of State shut down for the pandemic.
“It’s been an unprecedented year, filled with challenge and loss for so many. All of our lives are different now. But, now, more than ever, we can appreciate what is truly important and the little things that give us joy,” said Susan Crookston, the Park’s Founder and Executive Director. “We have so much to be grateful for, and this work of art is designed to display and spread that gratitude. Part of the fun of experiencing it will be visiting the Park to find your gratitude.”
Psychologists have determined that the practice of focusing on gratitude can have powerful positive impacts on brain function, mood, interpersonal relationships, and even improve physical health indicators such as blood pressure and immune function.
“Fred Rogers encouraged children to “look for the helpers” in times of crisis,” said ARP Board Member Carole King. “We think that this focus on looking for the good, the things to be grateful for, aligns with the values he taught and the values of our Park. It is especially appropriate now for the year anniversary of the pandemic shut downs.”
“We’re coming to the end of a long gray winter and challenging year. We could all use some happiness and color right now,” said Ms. King. “When the wind blows, this work of art will look like field of color blowing in the wind. It should be spectacular.” “Waves of Gratitude” is the second in a three-part series of public art projects funded by Dave and Beth Short.
To participate, email what you are grateful for along with your name by March 10th to gratitude@aspinwallriverfrontpark.org or visit www.Aspinwallriverfrontpark.org/gratitude.
About ARP
Founded in 2011 and dedicated to the memory of Charles R. Burke, Aspinwall Riverfront Park (ARP) features a fabulous Playground sculpture by world renowned artist Tom Otterness, a sled riding hill, off leash dog park, a fishing dock with hanging swings, walking trails, and native gardens. During the summer, it offers café, marina, kayak rentals, music, theater, free concert series, summer camps among other programs to the public. It is located at 285 River Avenue, in Aspinwall 15215.
