After the fraught 2016 election Midcoaster Peter Baldwin took note when a neighbor painted over their political sign leaving a bright red heart over a stark white background. Peter says the simple symbol, “made me feel good when I drove by it.” And so, he headed to his woodshop and made a few of his own. When neighbors expressed interest, he placed an order. He started selling the signs at $10 a pop and donating the proceeds to the Wabanaki Cultural Preservation Coalition to support their effort to buy the land they had been renting.
Peter says he’s placed several orders over the last 8 years, probably totaling around 1,000 signs. They’ve become a commonplace symbol of hope and community in the Midcoast-area. The effect resonates for many – seeing one “makes you feel good.” They remind us that in a world that can be ugly and hateful, many of us are still unafraid to show love.
With Peter’s blessing, we’re hoping to spread the love again, BUT this time by making a statewide impact! The Red Heart Project’s mission is two-fold – to fundraise for nonprofits doing important social justice work, while encouraging widespread involvement in a meaningful artivism campaign designed to demonstrate our collective commitment to humanity and bring hope to Mainers across the state when they need it most.
We are currently planning a bulk order in coordination with the Peace & Justice Center of Eastern Maine with a goal to order 500+ signs to be distributed throughout the state this spring. Pre-orders can be placed until 4/21. Those in Knox County can contact me (Allison) at redheartprojectme@gmail.com to place an order. I’ll identify a common location in the Rockland-area where people can pick up their orders and pass along their cash or check (made out to the Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine). If you have ideas for a convenient location, please let me know.
I already have 100+ orders placed for Waldo County (I’ll be distributing there from the Belfast Coop; folks can alternatively pick-up there). Those outside of Waldo/Knox can feel free to email and learn more about placing a bulk order for a group.
Light, love, and solidarity!
-Allison