Following an unprecedented year of isolation and hardship, Aspinwall Riverfront Park wants to know what you are grateful for.

Be it your job, your family or your pet guinea pig — an answer which four people have already submitted — park directors will include your attitude of gratitude in a large-scale public art exhibit that opens March 20.

The project focuses on good vibes and requires participation to create “Waves of Gratitude,” multi-strand colorful ribbons that will sway from the ceiling of the marina.

“It’s been a year filled with challenge and loss for so many,” Executive Director Susan Crookston said. “All of our lives are different now. But now, more than ever, we can appreciate what is truly important and the little things that give us joy.”

The project will comprise thousands of hanging ribbons, each with a hand-­written note of what someone is grateful for.

“When the wind blows, this work of art will look like a field of color blowing in the wind,” park board member Carole King said.”It should be spectacular.”

To devise the exhibit, park officials need to hear from people of all ages and backgrounds, and what they are thankful for.

Each ribbon will list the person’s initials and their gratitude.

So far, there has been a tremendous outpouring of participation, Crookston said, with more than 1,000 submissions.

“We’re hoping to have 1,800 to honor each life lost to covid-19 in Allegheny County,” she said.

Hundreds of local students have participated, including those from Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy in Aspinwall, Shady Side Academy, Winchester Thurston and Fox Chapel Area High School.

Crookston invited the public to view the exhibit during the weekend of March 20, which is the birthday of TV icon and kindness guru Fred Rogers.

Psychologists have determined that the practice of focusing on gratitude can have powerful positive impacts on brain function, mood and interpersonal relationships, Crookston said.

“It can even improve physical health indicators such as blood pressure and immune function,” she said.

King said that the focus on finding the good, and things to be grateful for, aligns with the values Mr. Rogers taught as well as the values of the park.

“It is especially appropriate now for the (one) year anniversary of the pandemic shut down,” King said.

“We’re coming to the end of a long, gray winter and challenging year. We could all use some happiness and color right now.”

The deadline to participate is March 14. Email your name and what you are grateful for to gratitude@aspinwallriverfrontpark.org or visit aspinwallriverfrontpark.org/gratitude.

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