GLENN DALE, Md. — What better way to say, "I'm thinking of you" than by sharing a piece of your heart through art? That's how Olivia Bruce feels.
“Art can be used as a mechanism for healing," said the 23-year-old.
A Maryland native, she's been painting since the age of eight and has gained quite a following of her work.
Olivia Bruce artwork
Her art is sold in stores across the country, and Michelle Obama even hand-picked Bruce to design a holiday program years ago.
Probably one of her most important projects happens Thursday, February 14--the anniversary of the Parkland school shooting.
She sent a copy of her "Love Is" painting (pictured below) to the families of all 17 shooting victims Thursday afternoon.
“To me, it’s just the synergy of love, so the way the colors intertwine and they blend together with the person’s touch," said Olivia.
Thinking about how the families of the 17 Parkland shooting victims will never again get to feel the touch of their loved ones, Olivia decided to show them that February 14 could still be about love, even if it's from a stranger.
“This is Valentine’s Day. I know this is a time of love and passion and joy, and I know that the anniversary of the Parkland shooting was today unfortunately, so I thought that sending a piece like this would be a token of love and peace in the midst of their pain… to give them comfort that someone else that they don’t know at all knows that they’re thinking about them and praying for them in the hopes of healing," she said.
Accompanying each picture in the packages is a letter that says, in part "while I was saddened by your tragic loss, I have been inspired by your courage and strength. Thank you for using this pivotal moment to teach the world that love conquers hate.”
Olivia delivered the packages Thursday at around four o'clock in the afternoon.