Bel Air to Wear 'Hearts' On Its Sleeve

A public art project is expected to bring between eight and 10 heart-shaped sculptures to downtown Bel Air by May of 2013.

Just as Baltimore had sculptures of fish and crabs and Elkton had scupltures of Elk, so also Bel Air will artistically display its "Heart of Harford" motto through sculpture.

The project is jointly sponsored by the town and the Bel Air Downtown Alliance.

Adrienne DeRan, a local artist and member of the Town of Bel Air’s Cultural Arts Commission, designed heart sculptures which will serve as the canvas for artist designs, according to a release. The alliance is now accepting design proposals.

There are 15 potential sites for these hearts with the goal of installing between eight and 10 by May 2013.

Two hearts have already been sold, one to People’s Bank the other to Katzen Eye Group. Sponsorships are $1,500. The heart can be purchased by a sponsor for $1,800.

The People's Bank Heart will be installed in front of the Bel Air Reckord Armory.

After the heart is on display for a year, if it hasn't been sold, it will be auctioned off to raise funds for the project.

The first deadline for artist proposals is Nov. 9. The town hopes to have the first heart completed before the Annual Town of Bel Air Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting.

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