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July 16, 2024 / Fayetteville, AR: “At the beginning of the pandemic, like many, I found myself depleted and full of grief. I began cutting 2x2” paper hearts from various print ads, fashion/merchandise catalogs and lifestyle magazines with messages that seemingly encouraged us to forget the pandemic and [buy things],” Moore said. “The Hearts Project slices those messages into hearts so we never forget the tragic loss of life from the pandemic.”

By September 22, 2022, the Fayetteville-based mixed media artist had amassed four thousand hearts. At that moment, she issued a call for help and received several offers from those who also felt a strong need to remember. Though the original goal was to cut one heart for each of the 13,068 deaths in Arkansas, ideas for quilt-like patterns began to emerge as the way to display them. Moore felt these quilt-like patterns “were needed to help recall the equally important experiences of the living.” 

This exhibit debuts at Fort Smith Regional Art Museum (RAM) in July, formalizing Moore’s simple concept: collage, quilt-like designs made with paper hearts. This first installation showcases a total of 2,700 hearts within three frames, collected and arranged to honor special groups, including essential health care and “frontline” workers. A third frame features hearts cut by a grieving aunt who, like many, missed funeral services during lockdown.

“This is an important, monumental project,” said Marta Jones, visual artist, former RAM Board President and former Executive Director.

Museum guests may contribute to the ongoing exhibition by cutting and donating their own paper hearts to the project.