“I got all your messages and loved every one.”

If you’ve seen the uplifting signs on the Tashmoo overlook or across the hull of the Shenandoah and wondered, what in the world? Then you’re not alone. The signs appear where they may be least expected and cause you to stop and think, who is that for, is that for me?

And the answer for the signs' creator, Julia Kidd, a local artist and psychotherapist, is “Yes! They are for you.”

The name of the project “I got all your messages and I loved every one” speaks to the way we communicate now – through status updates, tweets and text messages. Kidd has developed the public art installation that involves placing these positive messages on specific sites all over the Island. A total of eleven signs are installed temporarily, from April 23- May 8, 2012. 

In addition to the landscape settings, Kidd installed a street span banner in Edgartown that reads, “There is so much to love about you.”  The hull of the Shenandoah carries the message, “It is so easy to love you.” There’s even one in the MVRHS cafeteria that says, “You are a bright idea.” as Kidd felt it was important to include the island youth directly.

In the West Tisbury Library among the stacks is the message, “You can get anywhere from here.”

Each sign is simple black type on white with the exception of one, “I love looking at you,” which is projected on the screen of the Capawock Theater just before the film begins.

There are signs in every town and even though it took an entire year to get permission to put up all the signs, Kidd found that most of the people she asked were receptive. “The universe really cleared the way,” said Kidd. “Through the whole course, the perfect people fell into place, to help and support the project.

Kidd got the idea to do the project while thinking about her work as a therapist and the way people connect.  We all have private lives and private relationships, but we share universal needs. We are more alike than we are different. We are most connected through love. 

Initially Kidd thought about just putting up a small sign in the waiting room at her office, but realized that would still be very private. “I thought what if I put it out side where everyone could read it? 

For Kidd the endeavor was to get across what is for her a spiritual belief that, “We are healed in the moment we feel good about ourselves. We feel best and thrive when we feel love. When we feel love, we do better as people, and that allows us to treat other people better.”

“We communicate openly all the time about negative things, news or politics.  It is rare to hear positive expressions or messages.  I truly believe that what you put your attention to expands and the more people who are focusing on the good that is out there and the love that they feel and are feeling, that benefits everybody.”

The signs can be seen in the following locations and will remain up through May 8th:

1.  Shenandoah

2.  Tashmoo Overlook

3.  Nip & Tuck Farm - State Road - West Tisbury

4.  West Tisbury Library (inside)

5.  Keith Farm- Middle Road - Chilmark

6.  Aquinnah Circle

7.  Morning Glory Farm - Edgartown

8.  Main Street Edgartown (Street Banner)

9.  Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School Cafeteria (inside)

10. Projection on the Screen (Capawock Theater and Edgartown Cinema)

11. Island Theater- Circut Ave. Oak Bluffs