If I Only Had A Heart
The moment I saw the Parade of Hearts sculpture with its hollow center, I knew it was the perfect chance to bring the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz to life. Complete with his funnel-shaped hat, the sculpture takes on his form with riveted metal, a clock-heart, Kansas sunflowers, and the Yellow Brick Road, each symbolizing love, growth, and the journeys we take to find what we value most. I hope it invites Kansas City to meet that beloved story again, face to face, in the form of a giant love-filled Tin Man.

Share your photos of your hearts
Artist Spotlight

Mark J Peterson
I work in ink and acrylic, crafting surreal, steampunk-inspired worlds where weathered machinery and forgotten structures are overtaken by plants and nature, drawn from memories of places left behind. After studying and showing my work in several cities, I’ve spent the past decade in Kansas City leading a graphic design team while pursuing my studio art. I’ve always imagined and drawn other worlds, and lately I’ve been sharing that storytelling with my nine-year-old son, inviting viewers to explore spaces where the past lingers, nature reclaims, and new life quietly emerges.
Something wrong with the heart?
Help us keep the Parade of Hearts beautiful for everyone to enjoy

