A Heartfelt Collaboration
At Piece by Piece, we believe in the power of art to bring communities together. This belief was beautifully illustrated in a recent project: a stunning 3D heart sculpture, standing 5 feet tall, 4 feet wide, and 2 feet deep. This heartwarming piece of art was a true community effort, involving 17 talented Piece by Piece artists and 17 enthusiastic participants from the City of Paramount.
The project was led by Luz Mack-Durini, Lead instructor and Social Enterprise Manager, with the creative design crafted by Ally Halliburton, Design Associate. From the outset, the goal was to create a sculpture that not only represented the heart of the community but also engaged the community in the creation of the heart. Jadie Delgado, Social Enterprise Operations Manager, shared her excitement, saying, "I truly enjoyed watching this project progress from an idea on paper to a beautiful community structure."
The City of Paramount is known for its rich history and strong industrial presence, blending downtown amenities with suburban charm. With a population of nearly 52,000 residents, Paramount’s tree-lined streets and cultural attractions make it a desirable place to live, work, and visit. This vibrant community provided the perfect backdrop for our collaborative art project.
The journey from concept to completion was a collaborative effort filled with creativity and learning. Luz Mack-Durini, reflected on the experience: “What I enjoyed the most was the collaboration with everyone in the community and in Piece by Piece as they created their own spin on their flowers. They worked on their pieces individually and it was great seeing it come together as a whole on the Paramount Heart.”
The project brought together experienced artists and newcomers to 3D fabrication. This blend of expertise and fresh perspectives created a dynamic learning environment. "We really enjoyed the opportunity to work on another 3D piece. It was a refreshing experience and a great learning opportunity for those who had not done it in the past," Luz added.
A key component of the project was the workshops held at the Paramount facility. Each participant created two flowers: one on a wood substrate, which they could take home as a keepsake, and another on mesh, which was installed onto the heart sculpture. This hands-on experience allowed everyone to contribute personally to the artwork while gaining new skills in mosaic art.
“The City of Paramount participants were new to mosaic art and they were excited to try mosaics. It was a joyful experience,” shared one of our team members. The workshops not only fostered artistic expression but also created lasting memories and connections among the participants.
The completed heart sculpture is more than just a piece of art; it’s a symbol of community, creativity, and collaboration. Each flower on the heart tells a story of individual effort and collective harmony. This project is a testament to what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose and passion.
At Piece by Piece, our mission is to transform lives and communities through art. We provide free mosaic art workshops to low-income and formerly homeless individuals, offering them an opportunity to express themselves creatively, gain new skills, and build a sense of community. This heart sculpture is a shining example of that mission in action. Thank you to everyone who made it possible, and we can’t wait to see what we create together next.
Thank you to the Piece by Piece artists who created this beautiful mosaic heart: José M., Hilda M., Victor J., Norma C., Andrea S., Rosa V., Jonathan S., Ricardo S., June C., Vatreina C., Margarita M., John V., Habraham R., Robbie Jean S., Luz Mack-Durini, Hugo S., and Dawn Mendelson.
If you would like to inquire about commissioning a work of art please reach out to Marieme and/or learn more on our custom commission page.
About the City of Paramount
The City of Paramount is a vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history and strong industrial presence. With a population of nearly 52,000 residents, Paramount’s tree-lined streets offer a blend of downtown amenities with suburban charm. Situated near major transportation hubs, including several freeways and the Long Beach Airport, Paramount is renowned for its thriving business sector and commitment to economic development. Residents enjoy a range of recreational opportunities, with numerous parks, and cultural attractions like its own drive-in theater and the LA Kings Iceland Skating Ring. With Paramount's strong sense of community and convenient location, it continues to be a desirable place to live, work, and visit in southern California.
