Parade of Hearts artist
The Parade of Hearts Project is a Public Arts Experience within Kansas City, the Heartlands of the United States. It began in 2022, with over 700 designs submitted by area artists and 152 were chosen for this first round of a multi-year project. The original artwork designs were painted on a 5' x 5' x 2' Fiberglass 'KC Heart' fixed to a base. The hearts were then placed throughout the city and surrounding areas as an example of unification and to help make our communities stronger. All raised funds went to those most affected by the events of the last two years. I'm honored to have been selected to be one of these talented artists!
Here is my info from the POH Website
I was fortunate enough to have a design selected for the 2022 round with the information below. I was not selected for a limited round in 2023, but had a design just recently selected for the 2024 round which releases this Spring.
Read my interviews about the Heart Project
Toby Cook's
Blog Article
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KC Caregivers - 2024
My 2024 POH design is about providing recognition, support and hope for those caring for others. As a cancer survivor and parent of two surviving daughters of this disease, I know the stress and supreme commitment it takes provide care for friends and families.
My artwork depicts the metallic plum ribbon color for caregivers on the heart, with the beautiful wings enveloping the heart to show loving care. The lettering/icons will be in metallic silver. This color also represents care and healing.
KC Conquering Cancer
My 2022 POH design is about hope and healing for those with cancer. As a cancer survivor and parent of two surviving daughters of this disease, I know the anguish this disease causes to those affected and their families.
My artwork depicts the ribbon colors of 24 types of cancers on a gold heart, the ribbon color of childhood cancer, and the hope and healing brought by the dove and the iridescent white/silver color it brings.
My Sponsor & Location
The Parade of Hearts Project has many sponsors and the University of Kansas Health System was the sponsor for my heart. It was located at their Cancer Center on their Westwood Campus at Belinder and Shawnee Mission Parkway near Mission Hills. For more information about this project and all the hearts, please visit their website located here...
My Heart has a permanent Location !!!
Last Summer, Jay Hollyman reached out to me to let me know he had purchased my heart in the Parade of Hearts auction. He told me his plan was to keep it at his home until January and then donate it to The University of Kansas Medical Center-Westwood Campus where my heart was originally placed. I’m happy he chose the Westwood Cancer Center and feel it is an appropriate and special place for my heart which is entitled 'KC Conquering Cancer'. I received so many nice comments from patients and staff when it was there originally. I met Abby Parker, Events Manager for KUMed, and Jay in January and we decided on its’ permanent home which is near the cafeteria and rest area for the facility. Jay is a good person with a big heart and his generosity will be remembered by patients and their families who come there for diagnosis and treatment. I’m honored to have been a part of this!
