The number of people who have died from COVID-19 has surpassed 286,000. In an attempt to grasp the magnitude of this number, Linda McBride and Rachel Egelston, artists from Grand Junction, have collaborated in the creation of The Rose Petals COVID Memorial. This is special community art project recognizing & honoring Americans, their families, and friends who have lost their lives this year due to COVID-19.

The dedication for American victims of COVID-19 will be Friday, December 18 at 7:00 P.M. Please come and participate in the creation of this interactive community art project hosted at The Art Center. Appropriate safety guidelines will be in place.

Long slender panels will be hanging in front of the Art Center on the 7th Street wall. Each panel is printed with hundreds of rose petals and a subtle grid of 4,680 squares (1/2”) overlays the petals. Each square of the grid represents an individual’s death from Covid19. At this time there will be up to 55 panels installed, with the weather creating movement of the Memorial’s panels.

Please bring rose petals and/or small candles (battery operated) to be placed in front of The Memorial. Participants will be parked in their cars for safety purposes. Small groups will being invited over to The Memorial to place their rose petals and candles where they choose. We will be following mask and social distancing guidelines. During this time, obituaries about the deceased will be read on the P.A. System.

For months 25 participants have been placing small silver dots in the 1/2” grid squares to honor each deceased person. At the dedication you will be able to observe these beautiful and unique silver dots up close. And you will be able to contribute to this art works purpose and beauty at the dedication. Not all panels have dots, so there will be opportunities to participate in this process when the installation is complete.

https://www.facebook.com/RosePetalsCOVIDMemorial