‘UNITY,’ an interactive art project, began Sunday at Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Hartford and the public is invited to participate through Sunday, Sept. 25.

Westminster Presbyterian Church’s UNITY interactive community art project launched Sept. 18 and will be available for public participation through Sept. 25. Submitted photo

Submitted

In a time when our worldview highlights differences between us, Westminster Presbyterian Church invites the West Hartford and Greater Hartford community to see all that unites us through participation in an interactive community art project called UNITY.

UNITY began with a circular arrangement of 32 poles on the grounds of Westminster, at the corner of Boulevard and Ridgewood Road, for all to see. Each pole has been labeled with an identifier like, “I am a parent” and “English is my second language.”

Participants wrap a single strand of yarn around each pole with which they identify, together forming a canopy of interconnectedness as more people participate.

The end result is a striking creation that celebrates our individual uniqueness, while demonstrating how we are all connected and have much in common. This project also raises awareness of how labels impact our perception of others and our interaction with the world.

Residents of West Hartford and the greater Hartford area are enthusiastically invited to come and participate. There is no limit to the number of people who may participate – the more the better as a showing of individuality and common bonds.

The UNITY project launched during Westminster’s LIFT on Sunday, Sept. 18 at 9:30 a.m. and will be open for public participation during additional hours through Sunday, Sept. 25. Remaining hours for participation are: Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. – noon; and Sunday, Sept. 25 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. The closing ceremony will be held on Sunday, Sept. 25 at noon.

“As people of faith, we feel called to build community, peace, love, justice, joy, hope,” said the Rev. Julie Emery, Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church. “As our political climate becomes increasingly divisive and hurtful, this project seemed like the perfect way to bring the people of West Hartford together and celebrate what unites us.”

Boy Scout Troop 163, assited with the construction work for this project, and Lowe’s of Bloomfield and Natural Choice Lawn Care subsidized some of the materials being used.

UNITY was created by Nancy Belmont, CEO and Chief Inspiration Officer at Vessence Corporation of Alexandria, VA, in June 2016. In May 2015 she launched the Courage Wall as a way to raise awareness of the fears that hold us back from living big, bold authentic lives. The Courage Wall and UNITY are both projects that fall under her #WeLiveBig initiative to promote human flourishing. For more information visit www.unityproject.net.

Westminster Presbyterian Church, founded in 1950, is located at 2080 Boulevard in West Hartford. A member of Presbyterian Church USA or PC (USA), Westminster seeks to be a vital, engaging and inclusive family of faith that serves God by supporting each other on our spiritual journeys, sharing the gifts we have been given and demonstrating the love and justice of Christ in our community and world. For more information visit www.westpresby.org.

Westminster Presbyterian Church’s UNITY interactive community art project launched Sept. 18 and will be available for public participation through Sept. 25. Submitted photo

Westminster Presbyterian Church’s UNITY interactive community art project launched Sept. 18 and will be available for public participation through Sept. 25. Submitted photo

Westminster Presbyterian Church’s UNITY interactive community art project launched Sept. 18 and will be available for public participation through Sept. 25. Submitted photo

Westminster Presbyterian Church’s UNITY interactive community art project launched Sept. 18 and will be available for public participation through Sept. 25. Submitted photo

Westminster Presbyterian Church’s UNITY interactive community art project launched Sept. 18 and will be available for public participation through Sept. 25. Submitted photo