Create a Heart

Please note the submission deadline to design a 2015 Hearts in San Francisco sculpture was August 1, 2014.  You may still submit a design, but it will be filed for consideration for the 2016 series.  

The Foundation has been proud to partner with many talented artists over the years to create a whole lot of hearts! The Hearts in San Francisco project first launched with 131 heart sculptures in 2004. The heart shape was chosen to represent our City, recognized for its acceptance and tolerance, as well as the perennial open-heartedness of the entire community. This project is a unique hybrid of fund-raising, community involvement, and a positive nurturing of artistic expression.

Each year since the inaugural project, a limited series of Hearts in Francisco sculptures are created (with the exception of 2005). These “heartworks” are part of our annual fundraising events, Heroes & Hearts and Hearts After Dark, which take place each February. The Hearts are sold or given to our major event sponsors and the funds raised help fund vital programs and initiatives at The General. The Hearts in San Francisco sculptures have become an icon of the City.

Anyone may submit a design to create a heart. The open call for submissions takes place during the summer months, but submissions are accepted throughout the year. Artists are selected each September by a committee of composed of Foundation staff, members of the board of directors, and community volunteers. The number of hearts produced varies each year, as does the number of artists selected.

The Hearts in San Francisco sculptures are made of fiberglass and attached to a steel base. They are currently available in three sizes; 5 foot tall “Large” hearts, 17 inch tall “Table Top” hearts, and 7 inch tall “Mini” hearts.

Create a Heart Application

  • Proposed Artwork

    You may select for more than one size.
  • As it should appear in SFGHF printed materials
  • Describe materials and chemicals to be used in production.

  • Artist Information

    Would you like to direct your Honorarium to San Francisco General Hospital Foundation? ($1,000 for Large Hearts; $500 for Table Top Hearts, $200 for Mini Hearts)

  • Address for Heart Delivery

    Enter if shipping address is different than mailing address.
  • Maximum of 1MB in size. File types allowed: .doc, .docx, .pdf, .jpg
  • Drop files here or
      Upload maximum of five (5) files. Each file cannot be more than 1MB in size and only .pdf, .jpg and .png files are acceepted.
    • Maximum of 1MB. File types allowed: .doc, .pdf

    For more detailed information, please download the most recent Artist Information Packet or contact Elaine Leong, Marketing & Event Coordinator at 415.206.5959 or eleong@sfghf.org.

    Please visit our Hearts Gallery to view images of past Hearts in San Francisco sculptures.