Open Hands: Heal the World

  • 2018 – New York City, New York
  • 2018 – Denver, Colorado
  • 2019 – San Francisco, California
  • 2019 – Austin, Texas
  • 2019 – Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • 2019 – Washington D.C.
  • 2019 – Chicago, Illinois
  • 2020 – St Louis, Missouri
  • 2021 – Montgomery, Alabama
  • 2021 – Atlanta, Georgia
  • More locations coming!

Open Hands, an interactive art experiment, will challenge your community to highlight the valuable contribution each member offers for the welfare of our planet. Site-specific, yet also universal in scope, Open Hands explores our shared humanity and the importance of connecting with others. By remembering one of our childhood lessons, “It is better to give than receive,” we can make the world a better place.

To create this project, participants from diverse locations, backgrounds, and ages trace their handprint on a piece of a paper map. Then they respond to this question: “What is one thing we can do to help heal the world?” The ongoing creation and collection of map handprints represent the way the Earth links us. Though our world faces enormous challenges, we can make a difference by opening our hands to the needs of others and helping to heal the place where we live.

Are you interested in commissioning Pamela or hosting one of her hands-on exhibitions, presentations, or creative care programs for your organization or community? Contact Pamela.

Read the inspirational story behind Open Hands…

Open Hands (Sketch), Paper collage panels, 9x4 feet, 2018

Open Hands (Sketch), Paper collage panels, 9x4 feet, 2018

Meeting strangers and getting hand trace drawings in NYC Meeting strangers and getting hand trace drawings in NYC

Open Hands debuts on the streets of New York City in 2018, initiating cultural moments.

Open Hands outline drawings

While traversing the country, artist Pamela Alderman engages people with the question, “How can we help heal our broken world?”

Open Hands with elementary students in Denver

Elementary students in Denver trace their handprints and record their responses on a paper map.

Open Hands in San Francisco Open Hands in San Francisco Open Hands in Austin

In San Francisco, California, and Austin, Texas, Open Hands sparks discussions about closing our phones and opening our hands to the needs of others.

Open Hands in Washington, D.C. Open Hands in Washington, D.C. Open Hands in Washington, D.C.

Participants in Washington, D.C. consider how they can be part of the solution in our divided culture.

Collage of Open Hands participants in Chicago doing hand trace drawings

In Chicago, intentional conversations and shared art experiences empowered individuals to make a difference.

Open Hands in St. Louis Open Hands in St. Louis

The interactive healing art encourages a movement of hope and compassion, in St Louis, to help create a better future together.

Open Hands here in Grand Rapids Open Hands here in Grand Rapids Open Hands here in Grand Rapids

While retracing the U.S. Civil Rights Trail and commemorating the lives of two American heroes, Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr., some locals asked if they could take part in the Open Hands project.

Collage of Open Hands hand trace drawings

Open Hands invites strangers to collaborate, engage in thoughtful dialogue, and contribute to the common good of the planet.

 

Almost 400,000 individuals have participated in Pamela's hands-on installations since 2010. Drawing on her own journey towards restoration, her work continues to expand to new communities, focusing on finding solutions to life's challenges. Contact Pamela today to commission an interactive exhibit, virtual experience, or inspiring presentation—utilizing art as a healing tool.