Parade of Hearts.
2026 | 2024
2026 Parade of Hearts
The Parade of Hearts is a celebration of Kansas City—a program that invites our community to engage with public art and connect with the places and landmarks that define us. It amplifies tourism, cultural pride, and connection while inviting all to feel the spirit, creativity, and generosity of the heartland.
The Design
"Lighting the Kansas City Sky"
For my 2026 contribution, I wanted to capture one of the most iconic and beloved symbols of our skyline: the historic Western Auto building and its glowing sign that has become synonymous with Kansas City itself.
Color plays a vital role in telling this story. Rich, vibrant hues block in loose shapes and areas that slowly come into focus, revealing the implied details of the Kansas City skyline. Standing tall and unmistakable is the Western Auto building—a landmark seen from all corners of downtown and a personal favorite of mine. The sign that continues to light up our city has become a trademark of what Kansas City is.
My design captures this view on one side of the heart, but on the other side, I zoom in on the signature swoosh of the sign itself. The swoosh wraps around the heart's cutout, creating a visual hug—capturing not only our collective love for Kansas City, but also embracing the viewer as they peer through the window of the Parade of Hearts installation.
A Personal Connection
Having called Kansas City home for over 30 years, the Western Auto sign has always held a special place in my visual memory. It's a beacon—both literally and figuratively—that anchors our downtown landscape. Whether you're driving across the city or walking through the Crossroads, that illuminated swoosh reminds you exactly where you are. It's unmistakably Kansas City.
The Approach
I paint with an expressive hand, creating large blocks of color that imply detail and suggest light and shadow—an impressionistic approach that captures energy and emotion rather than photographic precision. This technique allows the heart to feel alive and dynamic, much like the city itself. The interplay of color and form invites viewers to step closer, to see how abstraction resolves into recognition, and to experience Kansas City through a lens of celebration and light.
Final Thoughts
Art is a universal language that transcends communication barriers and makes the intangible tangible. The Parade of Hearts embodies this belief—it transforms our city into a gallery without walls, inviting everyone to participate in the celebration of Kansas City. This heart is more than a tribute to an iconic landmark; it's an invitation to pause, to look up, and to remember what makes this city worth lighting up. Kansas City has been my home for over three decades, and through projects like this, I'm reminded why I never left. The Western Auto sign has always been a symbol of resilience and pride—a light that continues to shine, just as this community continues to inspire.