This Monument for Humanity wants to be a very large, upside-down Egg. Possibly suspended. With two or three stained glass windows of the Heart knot. This is a very serious and ambitious project, which will involve many people to realize.
The Beginning
It all began thirty some years ago in the form of a doodle which somehow escaped being thrown away. For some unknown reason it captivated me. Playing with it I soon saw that it was a pretty sophisticated knot. Like a figure eight, this was four interconnected, interwoven hearts on a single unbroken line. I learned that this knot was known in India. The ancient Celts knew it. I suspect many ancient cultures were aware of it through the ages. What it meant to them is a mystery. To me, at first, it seemed to symbolize the interconnection of the basic family: Father, Mother, Daughter and Son. Further reflection suggested the tight-knit relationship of the Four Elements. Earth, Air, Fire and Water. The interconnection of everything: animals birds fish insects. The dependence of everything on everything else.
“The idea of a Monument for Humanity has been a part of The Frontera Sculpture Oasis for a number of years. The sculpture garden itself has been a work in progress for eight years now.”
— TARAS MYCHALEWYCH, ARTIST AND FOUNDER
Actually, when I look at my scant records of the development of this knot, it took me about four years to see that what these hearts are showing me is the inseparability of Humanity. Four hearts for the Races. As One. All on the same unbroken interconnected circuit. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a long time ago, said "We may have all come here on different boats, but we're all in the same boat now".
Our Mission
Kent County is one of the most severely underserved communities in Tennessee. To combat this adversity, Project Sprout seeks to nourish our neighbors at the most fundamental level with healthy food options and a strong support network. All members get a portion of each harvest and surpluses are donated to low-income families whose work schedules prevent them from volunteering.
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With ten gardens and counting, Project Sprout has seen a significant improvement in mental and physical health for all participating community members. Other than lowering obesity, blood pressure, and depression rates, the crime rate has also fallen. Our children are doing better in school, reporting higher grades and aspirations, and better job prospects.
Get Involved
If you live near one of our gardens, get involved to receive portions of each harvest. We accept volunteers regardless of skill level. There is a rotation in roles, but we’ll teach you all the skills you need to know. Teenagers 14 years and older can earn community service credits for school in addition to getting produce for their families. Donations are also vital to our growth, as we use them for seed, fertilizer, tools, and outreach.