Over the past year, I’ve been engaging people on the sidewalks from New York to San Francisco with this question: “How would you help heal our broken world?” Random people have been pausing to write well-thought-out answers on pieces of maps. Their unique responses, which included a tracing of their hand, have sparked the following interactions.
A young woman, who had been watching me engage others, invited me to join her at a nearby sidewalk restaurant. After sitting down and ordering a salad, I explained the purpose of this traveling art called Open Hands. Enthusiastically, the woman picked up a Sharpie pen, traced her hand, and wrote her answer on a piece of map. A few moments later, the woman thanked me for the opportunity to participate. She said, “The art engagement has helped me to relax and feel good.” Then she left the restaurant, smiling.
A German man creatively responded by writing these words—“love,” “respect,” “smile,” “nature,” and “kindness” on each finger in his drawing. I loved his artful expression—using each finger. What would be the result if all of us intentionally used each of our fingers to show compassion to a hurting world?
I really enjoy engaging people through collaborative art. Open Hands participants also appreciated a chance to voice their ideas; the art provided an opportunity for them to be heard.
Where will Open Hands pop up next?
Follow us on Instagram to find out where and to help us reach our first goal of one thousand handprints for a future exhibit.
Open Hands—healing dialogue and compassionate action—one hand at a time.
Beautiful workand ideals!!
Susan, thanks so much for the feedback. I’m already planning the next location to engage others with this community-minded art.