The Happy Wall, an interactive public art installation that encourages people to pick up a piece of chalk and answer the question, “What makes YOU happy?” is coming to Miami this holiday season. The massive chalkboard structure is being unveiled November 29 in Coconut Grove’s Cocowalk, and everyone is invited to participate during its 35 day run. The Happy Wall will offer plenty of surface area and lots of free chalk for passers-by, visitors and locals alike to tell the world what brings them joy.
The wall will also feature programming including live art, music and contests.The wall’s creation was inspired by writer and Happiness Advocate Hannah Sentenac’s journey out of depression and anxiety and into a happier, healthier life. The Happy Wall is designed to spark a bigger conversation about happiness and the power of positive psychology, in addition to helping focus people’s attention on their many blessings.
The Happy Wall is presented by Happify.com, an amazing website and app that empowers people to shift their mindsets and achieve higher levels of happiness and emotional well-being through fun, science-based activities and games. As Happify says, “Science has shown that happiness is winnable. “I’m totally floored to bring this installation to life, and with such incredible partners,” Sentenac says. “It’s so important to take stock of all the amazing blessings in our lives, and The Happy Wall is a chance to share that positive energy with the world!”
To kick off The Happy Wall’s installation week, Sentenac will be giving an inspired talk on the science of happiness, ditching depression and living a more joyful life at the Bookstore in the Grove on Tuesday, November 25 at 7 p.m.Additional upbeat, positive brand sponsors include Tervis, KIND Snacks, Brent Berman & Associates — Your Health & Happiness Headquarters and the Institute for Inspired Organizational Cultures. The wall was designed and built by the talented PV Engineering Team out of Osprey, Florida.
Even those who can’t visit The Happy Wall are encouraged to participate by telling the world what makes them happy via social media. People are asked to post to Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook using the hashtags #whatmakesmehappy and #TheHappyWall, and The Happy Wall team will be re-posting and sharing joy from around the world. You can follow The Happy Wall on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @iamthehappywall, and check out updates at TheHappyWall.org.
About Hannah Sentenac: Hannah Sentenac, creator of The Happy Wall, is a writer, journalist and Happiness Advocate. Her journey out of depression and anxiety and into a happier, healthier life was the inspiration for the creation of The Happy Wall. She writes about happiness and mental health for her blog, HannahGetsHappy.com, as well as publications including the Huffington Post, MindBodyGreen.com and Live Happy magazine.