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The
Healing Hearts Project, an installation to honor those who
died on 9/11 and to express our mutual hope for the future.
I am an
artist who lives in Connecticut but also less
than ten blocks from the World Trade Center tragedy.
I felt the need to respond visually to so much
devastation. I invited
thousands of people to help create a collaborative piece,
which has been part of our own healing process, and
make the statement that we as Americans stand
united. |
The Healing Hearts Project
Collaboration Project - 2002 - '04
Two circles, 13' diameter each
fabric, pins, thread |
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September 2011
I write today to those of you who contributed in so many ways to The Healing Heart Project. Many of you made hearts for the installation, gave your support through inviting others to join, and in so many other incredible ways (see video at www.juneahrens.com). I will be forever grateful for your generosity in helping to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11 as well as their families.
I kept two of your hearts with the thought of having them buried at Ground Zero. A description of the project and each of your names was also included. They were placed in a special heart box provided by my friend David Chiapetta and that box now resides in the foundation of one of the buildings at Ground Zero. It was accomplished this week thanks to the help of some wonderful if unnamed supporters. It is more than fitting that this was achieved just before 9/11’s tenth anniversary and as one person said, “they’ll be there undisturbed forever”.
This marks the last and final chapter, but is by no means meant to let us forget what the hearts and 9/11 meant. Our journey has been to honor those who lost their lives, perhaps to help heal, and give hope to the future. Thank you once again for your participation and support.
In Love and Hope,
June |
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The Wishbone Project
Collaboration
project - 1999
12' x 16' x 16' - modeling compound |
The
Wishbone Project is a collaborative project involving a
cross section of society, which includes men, women and children
(some at risk), senior citizens from diverse cultural backgrounds
and
internationally based participants.
This process
explored the ways in which wishes reflect our desires and hopes.
Wishes also arouse feelings of loss, fragility and impermanence yet
can generate healing.
ENTER
THE WISHBONE PROJECT |
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Bedtime Stories, a collaborative work created as an interactive piece. My partner,
Rochelle Rauchberg a photographer, worked with me on this project at
the Norwalk Emergency Shelter over an 18 month period of time.
As women and mothers, we
sought a common ground with the homeless mothers and wanted to make
the homeless problem personal and human; and to create an emotional
connection between the gallery viewer and the homeless. |
Bedtime Stories
June Ahrens
& Rochelle Rauchberg - 1997
22' x 53', Multimedia Installation
2-D framed 40" x 48"
ENTER
BEDTIME STORIES |
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