The ViBe Creative District in Virginia Beach is set to host a unique Valentine’s Day fundraiser, titled “For the LOVE of ART – Hearts on Parks,” aimed at supporting year-round free public programming. From February 13 to March 7, visitors can purchase custom “conversation hearts” that will be displayed along a 130-foot private fence on Parks Avenue, near the Virginia Beach Convention Center.
The initiative, inspired by Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson, was developed after she encountered a similar project in St. Michaels, Maryland. There, she saw red message hearts attached to wooden telephone poles and learned that it was part of a fundraiser known as “Hearts on Talbot.” Enthusiastic about the concept, Wilson shared her discovery with Kate Pittman, the executive director of ViBe, encouraging her to implement a similar idea in Virginia Beach.
Pittman embraced the concept while adapting it to the local context. “We don’t have old wooden telephone poles to nail hearts to, and our zoning laws wouldn’t allow hearts to be placed on public light poles,” she explained. Instead, the hearts will be displayed on the fence owned by the Ambassador Inn, a location chosen for its accessibility to pedestrians who can safely walk by and take photos.
To enhance the project, Pittman collaborated with local graphic designer Amanda Hitchcock. The hearts feature nostalgic designs reminiscent of the classic conversation hearts often exchanged during childhood. These graphic-designed hearts will be printed on all-weather material, ensuring their durability throughout the display period.
Individuals interested in participating can customize their hearts with initials or positive messages. Donations for the hearts range from $40 to $150, depending on the size selected. For an additional $20, participants can keep their heart after the fundraiser concludes on March 7.
Pittman expressed her ambition for the initiative, stating, “We intend to make this an annual fundraiser for the ViBe Creative District nonprofit. If this becomes popular and grows, it could absolutely expand all over the ViBe.” She emphasized that this public art display is designed to reflect the community’s spirit and creativity.
Those interested in ordering a conversation heart are encouraged to visit vibecreativedistrict.org for additional information. All orders must be placed by midnight on Monday to ensure inclusion in this engaging celebration of love and art.
