Hometown Hero

Saluting Our Hometown Heroes

Hometown Hero first debuted at ArtPrize Seven (2015) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This interactive exploration invited individuals to write the name of their hero on the 24 foot canvas. Thousands of visitors experienced healing as they connected with the work physically, intellectually, and emotionally.

The next year, the work expanded to include Hometown Hero II, which traveled to the U.S. Pentagon in Washington, D.C., for PTSD support and veteran suicide prevention. The Hometown Hero exhibit, presentation, and creative care programs salute ordinary people who display extraordinary commitment, love, and selflessness. The participatory works shown below are examples of possible future commissions, which can highlight a local hero with ties to a specific community. By interacting with the art, participants pass on hope to the next generation.

Read the inspirational story behind Hometown Hero…

The public voted Hometown Hero into the Top 20 for ArtPrize Seven.

For this project, thousands of visitors engaged by writing the name of their hero.

In 2016, Hometown Hero II traveled to the United States Pentagon in Washington, D.C., to help raise awareness for PTSD and veteran suicide prevention. For this project, our collaborating partners included Reflections in Generosity, Ottawa-North Kent Blue Star Mothers MI-194, Marne American Legion, PlexiCase Inc, Steve Umstead, and Sobie Meats.

Thousands of visitors signed a hero's name on ArtPrize Top 20 Hometown Hero, but it all started with a single name

Eric Burri's dad and others share their hero perspectives

Pamela shares a few highlights of ArtPrize visitors interacting with the Hometown Hero installation