Self-Portrait from OWIP.org

Today’s the big day!  With St. Valentine’s Day upon us, we each have an excuse to express affection and declare love.  You have a little extra leeway to be lovey-dovey, so go ahead!  Show appreciation for the people, places, and things in your neighborhood out on the sidewalk, in the comments section below, or wherever you have the chance.

Through the Lovin’ the ‘hood project, many of my neighbors have already begun to celebrate the expressive heart of valentine’s day.  Today marks the final chapter in our celebration and, with it comes a heap of gratitude and a few particularly important valentines.

First, a valentine for Our World in Pictures, or OWIP, for short.  Jeff and Christina Gora, co-creators of this artistic initiative, have been working with young photographers in the neighborhood for almost 4 years.  Through their non-profit, they lead photography workshops, provide mentors, and take students out to photograph their home environments.  When I mentioned the Lovin’ the ‘hood project to them, they not only welcomed the idea, they joined in the fun!  OWIP helps young people observe and capture images of their spaces from a different perspective and the portraits they helped students create through this project are purely wonderful.

No. 33

Valentine By OWIP, Photo By OWIP.org

A valentine also goes to the kids and grown-ups at the Kids’ Cafe of East Seventh Street Community Center.  Without their enthusiasm and appreciation of art, we never could have gotten so many neighbors to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a new way.

No. 34

Valentine By Sarah, Photo By OWIP.org

Valentine By Sarah, Photo By OWIP.org

Last, but not least, we have a very special valentine for the neighborhood.  Made with the help of some friends, this video was featured on Live Love in the World, a blog written by author Margot Starbuck, to inspire others to love creatively on Valentine’s Day.  Enjoy and share this link with those you love to spread the story of Lovin’ the ‘hood.  Happy Valentine’s Day from our neighborhood to yours!

Miss the start of the series?  Check out the archive to enjoy the valentines you didn’t catch!