Covid-19 changed all our lives dramatically, and it was time to add a sense of positivity and remind people that there is love in the world. This is why Natalie Fabri initiated “The Mission Kiss”- a public art project to celebrate love, diversity and unity in a time of social and political division, and suffering.
Over 70 artists followed her idea and created their interpretations of “The Mission Kiss” on hand-made wooden hearts, which were hung on trees, fences and businesses all over the Mission District. The art walk brought the community together, not only to see the art, but also to take a heart home. It didn’t take long until people picked the hearts up. My two hearts were gone the moment I started hanging them.
This gentleman owns my heart! I mean literally. I am happy to know that it has found a home in his living room.
I participated in the project, because I like to brighten someone’s day with a random act of kindness. As a street artist I leave my mark for other people to enjoy in public places all the time, but there is nothing cooler than finding a gorgeous piece of art and being able to take it home.
Some were chasing my heart and it was nowhere to find, because this family took it right away. It likes to travel and will go with them home to Texas.
When I started hiding painted rocks for kids to find in parks, at libraries and churches in the neighborhood, I realized how much impact these little found treasures had. I posted pictures of my stones on Facebook, and left a fun clue or a broad photo that didn’t gave away too much to help anyone on the hunt, and people were collecting my pieces and enjoyed exploring the neighborhood.
Public art projects like "The Mission Kiss" play an important role in uplifting the spirits when the world feels like a scary place, and we as artists are doing what we can to create work that sparks joy, soothes the soul and makes our city a richer place for everyone who lives here.