On December 14, 2012 in Newtown, Connecticut, twenty children and six adults were killed by a shooter with an AR-15. The most our government could muster in response was a request for thoughts and prayers.

This piece was created about the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary. The country’s continuing lack of effort to create substantial change in gun laws after this horrific event leaves me speechless and heartbroken.

Twenty pottery hearts represent the children and clothespins tied in red thread stand guard as the teachers and adults tried to protect the children. The child is ascending with a mother’s loving hands gently letting go, and the newspaper headlines make up her dress. On the shelf are hundreds of “thoughts and prayers” in glass jars that echo the helplessness we all felt.

The drawer is filled with 154 AR-15 shells. An abacus below to document the number of victims of school shootings to-date. During the construction of this piece the number increased so rapidly, it became only a symbol of the mounting loss of life.

It is my sincere hope that this piece will provoke conversation and more importantly, action that will keep our children safe.

Media Collected and hand made objects

Display Table Top

Dimensions 20” w x 37” h x 12” d