Local artist M-C Lamarre has launched Spread Love, a participatory community art project benefiting Hospice & Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard (HPCMV). Inspired by Valentine’s Day and collective grief, Lamarre invited Island community members to decorate baseball-card-sized blanks with drawings and messages of love. The completed cards are sold through art-vending machines placed around the Island, with all proceeds donated to HPCMV.
The Spread Love initiative grew out of Lamarre’s recent project, MV Potluck Prints, which began as a way to honor her father and brother, who both passed away in 2024. MV Potluck Prints are pocket-sized prints carved, stamped, and colored by hand. The prints were sold out of vending machines at rotating locations for four quarters apiece. Spread Love expands on this concept by inviting others to participate in the creative process, fostering community connection, healing, and joy.
Lamarre has spoken openly about her experience receiving grief counseling through HPCMV, which supported her through her losses and inspired her to channel grief into art.
“Those 13 months of grief counseling were a really great resource for me,” Lamarre said. “I wanted to do something to give back in the way that I could and include the community — prints by them and for them. Everybody can use a little love.”
Participants in the project range from kindergarteners to hospice staff. Launching around Valentine’s Day, Lamarre’s art-vending machines will appear at four Island locations, including Reliable Market and Mo’s Lunch, with additional locations announced via social media. Blank cards are available throughout February for community members who wish to contribute.
To learn more or participate, contact [email protected], and follow MV Potluck Prints by M-C Lamarre on Facebook, or @mclamarre on Instagram.
