'You Are Beautiful' Artist's New Sculpture Will Be Unveiled In Geneva

GENEVA, IL — A white sculpture forming cursive letters that read "Be Uncommon" will be officially unveiled at the Geneva Commons Friday. Created by Chicago artist Matthew Hoffman most well known for his "You Are Beautiful" sticker campaign, the sculpture was commissioned to "empower and encourage individuals to be more accepting and embrace the uncommon. said.

As part of the unveiling, staff at Geneva Commons — located at 602 Commons Drive — are also launching a social media campaign in support of the Rising Lights Project, which aims to increase awareness, education and opportunities for people with disabilities.

Standing 8 feet tall, the new sculpture is designed in the artist's signature cursive style and is meant to encourage the community to embrace inclusivity, according to a news release.

"For me, nothing is more important than public art," Hoffman said. "Anyone can come across it, and it can stop them in their tracks, and completely change their mindset. It's my life's work. I can't wait to see people interacting with this piece, kids playing on it, people posing, or just sharing a conversation with each other while sitting on it. It's made for the community, and I hope it acts as a catalyst for connection."

Hoffman created the widely known art project "You Are Beautiful," whose flagship is located on North Elston Street in Chicago. You might recognize the slogan — the phrase is painted on murals in Chicago and has been shared on more than 5 million silver stickers.

To coincide with the unveiling Friday, Geneva Commons is also donating $2 to the project for every photo taken in front of the sculpture, situated on the mall's Center Green, and posted on social media through Dec. 31 using the hashtag #BeUncommonGeneva.

Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns and representatives from Rising Lights Project will join Hoffman at the Friday morning event, where each will give remarks.

"Rising Lights Project is proud to partner with Geneva Commons to further educate and impact the need of disability inclusivity in the Tri-Cities area," Jaimie Valentini, founder of Rising Lights Project, said in a statement. "We are hopeful that this partnership will open opportunities for those impacted by disability and that our communities will embrace, empower, accept and see the beauty in the uncommon."

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