WIRED TO BE UNITED: SPONSORED BY PAM & LARRY BAER

Based on the pulse and rhythm of the city, “Wired to Be United” is a painted public sculpture that unveils the life of the city by exposing the beauty of the sky of wires and webs of social connection through my translation of the public transportation lines, telephone lines, traffic signals, signs, colors, taste, and culture that embodies the city of San Francisco. This inspired me to engaged my personal connection to the heart of San Francisco.

HEARTS IN SAN FRANCISCO:

Hearts in San Francisco was a Bay Area-wide "heart installation" that debuted in the spring of 2004. While similar to Chicago's "Cows on Parade," the San Francisco version used a heart icon, appropriate for a city that is recognized for its acceptance and tolerance, as well as being perennially open-hearted. The goal of this project was to become a unique hybrid of fund-raising, compassionate community involvement, and a positive nurturing of artistic expression at a time when it is sorely needed. The financial beneficiary of Hearts in San Francisco is the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation, whose sole purpose is to fund projects that will enhance patient care and comfort at San Francisco General Hospital Medical Center (SFGH). The goal was to raise $1 Million for SFGH. As of February 2005 nearly $2,000,000 in funds have been raised.

Over 130 recognized and emerging artists transformed heart sculptures into unique works of art. These hearts were installed on sidewalks, plazas, parks, and street corners throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. On February 14, 2004 the first two Hearts were unveiled in a kick-off event in Union Square. Subsequent hearts were rolled out beginning in April. Each installation was supported by a sponsor and reflected the unique vision of an artist.

New hearts are unveiled each year. Alan Chin was the youngest artist to be selected and commissioned to paint one of the original hearts at age 16.

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© ALAN CHIN | 2012