The 1,000 Flowers Community Art Project spreads awareness for NAMI
The phrase “say it with flowers” takes on a new meaning in an interactive art project on display at various locations in Coastal Virginia in 2025 as a part of the With Love initiative for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Coastal Virginia.
Through the 1,000 Flowers Community Art Project, participants were invited to create origami flowers inscribed with personal messages of hope and healing for those whose lives have been affected by mental illness.
The flowers were collected and placed in acrylic, standalone heart vessels. These collaborative sculptures were displayed as an installation at the Chrysler Museum of Art during the With Love Gala in February but will also be on view at various locations in the region this year.
NAMI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals affected by mental health conditions through education, advocacy and support designed to help people better understand mental health and navigate the frequently complex mental health system. By building a supportive environment while advocating for better mental health policies, NAMI Coastal Virginia’s mission is to create a world where individuals living with mental health conditions can live fuller, healthier lives.
Learn more at namicoastalvirginia.org.
—Leona Baker & Reagan Sherrill
Leona Baker
Leona Baker is the former Editor-in-Chief of Coastal Virginia Magazine. She is a writer, creative, communications professional, food freak, news junkie, nature and travel lover and mom. She holds a degree in English from James Madison University and a degree in Dance & Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University. She previously served as Senior Copywriter for Spark 451, Director of Marketing & Communications at Virginia Wesleyan University, and Senior Editor of Port Folio Weekly.
