EASTON, Pa. — Downtown creative studio Mercantile Home, in partnership with the Easton Main Street Initiative, has launched a community art project called ‘Love, Easton’ that will create 28,127 hearts of all sizes and materials to fill windows and public spaces throughout Easton. The project will run from January 9 to March 9. The beloved local shop is asking the Easton community for their support in participating in the creation of these hearts, currently being installed now through February 8, and displayed through mid-March.

“We chose this number because it is the current population of Easton. There will be one heart for every resident of the city. It’s a giant love letter, an art project that represents, in a big way, the kindness, creativity and good vibes for which Easton has become known,” said Mercantile Home co-owner Ron Morris.

“The Easton Main Street Initiative is excited to be partnering with Mercantile Home on this community building project and encourages everyone from Easton and beyond to participate,” said Kim Kmetz, Easton Main Street Initiative manager. “There are many ways to join in and help: making hearts, hanging hearts in your home or business windows, volunteering to help install hearts around the city, and more.”  

The majority of the “Love, Easton” hearts will be hung in and on buildings and public spaces from the Free Bridge to 15th Street along Northampton Street and from the top of Cattell Street to the top of Saint Johns along 3rd Street through Downtown. However, all Easton residents and businesses are encouraged to make and hang hearts in their windows even if they are not located on this specific route.  All hearts will be added to the total. Any resident or business making and hanging their own hearts are able to register their location and number of hearts by visiting www.love-easton.com. Additional hearts can be sent or turned in at Mercantile Home, 140D Northampton Street, the Easton Public Market, 325 Northampton Street, and a variety of other venues which are identified on the website.

“The enthusiasm in the community around  the project is very contagious.  Folks are already creating so many inventive, unique, wonderful hearts by recycling all kinds of paper and other materials: old bills, newspapers, fliers, wrapping paper. I can’t wait to see all the creative ways we are able to ‘Love, Easton’,” said Ken Jones Jr., co-owner of Mercantile Home.

For more information on the project and how to get involved, visit www.love-easton.com.

About EMSI and GEDP

Easton Main Street Initiative is a subsidiary of Greater Easton Development Partnership, a registered 501(c)(3) organization. EMSI’s mission is to promote, encourage and enhance the economic strength and vitality of Easton’s central business district through volunteer and community driven efforts. More: eastonmainstreet.org.

GEDP is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization focused on Easton’s economic well-being, historical integrity, programmatic development, vibrant culture and hospitality. GEDP comprises Easton Farmers’ Market, Easton Main Street Initiative, Easton Public Market and Highmark Farmstand, West Ward Market, PA Bacon Fest, the Easton Ambassadors and many other programs and events. More: eastonpartnership.org.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Jessica Schirripa