Hopeful Birds Project
The “Hopeful Birds Project” was founded during the Coronavirus pandemic as a way to bring art, kindness, and smiles to people everywhere. The birds are a metaphor for community and resilience, they bring us together to share hope, kindness, community involvement, and moments of joy. Flocks have graced communities across the county.
We continue to make Hopeful birds for various groups and communities upon request, as well as host bird-making workshops. Contact me for more information.
The Hopeful Birds Project was a fun distraction from the quarantine time. The kids loved finding the ceramic birds around the neighborhood and then making a nest and dressing them up. It was a fun way to meet other neighbors too who were looking amidst the neighborhood as well. …they really are beautiful ceramic birds. I hope other neighborhoods can mimic this inclusive idea too!
~ Jessica M. - Mesa Point Neighbor
During the pandemic, we were all sheltering apart and distancing from one another, but our experiences were shared and endured together. The “Hopeful Birds Project” was hatched as a way to us together during those challenging times. I realized how difficult it was for families to be isolated. By creating activities around the Hopeful Birds, we offered diversion, and some reprieve, and comfort.
Over the years, I’ve led several elementary school ceramic projects where kids made components that then became part of a very large mosaic or installation that an individual could not have done alone. Seeing their little piece of art as part of something much larger can be powerful for children. Each piece has a bigger impact being out in the world. Having the ceramic birds be part of a larger project (the flock) is an important component of this project.
The birds are individually sculpted from stoneware clay. Once the general features are formed, the birds are textured with a variety of pottery and sculpting tools. Colored glazes and stains are added before the final glossy clear glaze.
I am primarily a functional potter and instructor. I teach classes and workshops in Denver and Boulder. My pottery is sold through a variety of outlets both brick-and-mortar and online. Please contact me if you’d like to share a flock or host a workshop.
~ Rita Vali, Hopeful Birds Project Founder
