There’s a lot to be proud of in Folsom. The fantastic community, the continued innovation and growth of startups and businesses of all sizes, the strong team at Choose Folsom, and most importantly, the next generation of leaders here that we see with our Leadership Folsom program.
Leadership Folsom, a program that we at Choose Folsom manage, is a year-long class that gives future leaders the tools to succeed. Students learn valuable skills, meet key players in the community, and are immersed in all aspects of Folsom, from government to recreation, nonprofits to business development. At the end of the year, each class presents a group community project designed to improve some aspect of Folsom.
I love seeing the projects from each Leadership Folsom class. They’re inevitably creative, surprising, and always good for the community. The 2023 Leadership Folsom class exceeded my expectations with its Heartbeat of Folsom exhibition, an art installation that celebrates all that we love about living, working, and playing here.
The project, spearheaded by Leadership Folsom in collaboration with Choose Folsom , was envisioned as a way to bring public art to Folsom in 2023 while improving the lives of the underserved in our community.
The exhibition features heart sculptures installed throughout the community, each sponsored by a local business and then decorated by local artists to showcase aspects of Folsom. The Heartbeat of Folsom’s themes includes innovation, history, technology, community, natural beauty, and more.
Over 20 artists participated, with works from a range of talents and interests, including creative technologies, the Folsom Lake College artist guild, classically trained fine artists, self-taught artists, ceramicists, illustrators, and more. Their varied backgrounds, mediums, and inspiration is an apt metaphor. Like Folsom, Heartbeat of Folsom represents many different interests and industries but with the common thread of wanting the best for our community.
While the VIP unveiling and exhibition of all the heart sculptures at the Palladio ended June 10, the hearts will be relocated to spots throughout Folsom for you to discover and enjoy. Enjoy a video tour of the artwork courtesy of the Folsom Times below.
Thank you to all who ensured this event was a success, including our valued business and individual sponsors, our incredible artists, and of course, the Leadership Folsom class of 2023.
Joe Gagliardi is the President and CEO of Choose Folsom, the Folsom Chamber of Commerce.
Folsom Times is a proud partner of the Folsom Chamber of Commerce.
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