Cobb County residents can paint heart-shaped signs carrying messages of hope and encouragement as part of "You Are Loved," a free public art project tied to Suicide Awareness Month in September.
The painted hearts will be installed along the Big Shanty Trail in Kennesaw, where they'll remain on display through the end of September, according to a Cobb County PARKS announcement. Four free workshops are still open for registration, starting Saturday, Aug. 8, at Boots Ward Recreation Center in Powder Springs.
The closest session for East Cobb neighbors is Saturday, Aug. 15, at The Art Place–Mountain View, the county-run arts center at 3330 Sandy Plains Road in Marietta. That workshop runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
No art experience is needed.
Cobb County PARKS said participants need only "a willingness to participate and share a message of support." This is the project's second year. Cobb County Government shared photos on Instagram of hearts painted by community members during last year's workshops.
@beyond.hamilton: "I wish we had these before I lost my friend in 2017."
The comment, left on the county's Instagram post promoting the workshops, reflects why organizers say the project matters. According to Cobb Collaborative, a local nonprofit that runs the "Mind Your Mind" mental health initiative, 61% of people know someone who has thought about, attempted or died by suicide, or have worried that someone they care about might be struggling.
The project culminates with a community trail walk on Thursday, Sept. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Art Station–Big Shanty Trail, 2050 Kennesaw Due West Road in Kennesaw. Speakers from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Cobb Collaborative will share resources beginning at 7 p.m.
Remaining workshops
- Saturday, Aug. 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Boots Ward Recreation Center, 4845 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs (activity code 56028)
- Friday, Aug. 14, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Mable House Arts Center, 5239 Floyd Road SW, Mableton (activity code 55624)
- Saturday, Aug. 15, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: The Art Place–Mountain View, 3330 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta (activity code 56620)
- Saturday, Aug. 22, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: The Art Station, 2050 Kennesaw Due West Road, Kennesaw (activity code 55616)
All workshops are free. Registration is required through Cobb County PARKS' online system at secure.rec1.com using the activity codes above. Details are available at the county's announcement page.
Anyone in crisis can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
