In a different kind of heart donation, a Hearts in San Francisco sculpture has been given to the city of Vacaville, city officials said.
The bright red heart-shaped sculpture was installed downtown at the corner of Main and Parker streets this month through a partnership between the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation, Genentech and the city, according to a news release.
Genentech acquired the heart initially in 2023 from the foundation and donated it to Vacaville, according to officials.
In what could be described as heartening news, the sculpture, entitled “Labyrinthine Heart” and featuring a spiraling gold pattern, has been accepted into the City’s Public Art Collection.
The heart sculptures are a familiar sight in San Francisco, where they were designed for Hearts in San Francisco, a citywide public art project introduced by the Foundation in 2004. They feature artist’s works in plazas, parks and street corners throughout San Francisco.
The sculpture was created by San Francisco-based artist Wendy Ackrell, who has worked as a painter for over two decades, primarily exploring abstraction but returning to figuration in recent years. Originally a writer, she incorporates fiber art, poetry, and mixed media into her work.
“We’re absolutely delighted to join hands with Genentech and the City of Vacaville in this heartfelt endeavor,” said Kim Meredith, CEO of the foundation, in a statement. “By extending our reach beyond San Francisco, we’re not just showcasing stunning art — we’re spreading a powerful message of hope and healing.”