The Flag For Hope
The story
Led by the artistic mind of U.S. Army veteran Marcos Antonio, The Flag for Hope was created by more than 4,000 Americans placing their hand and finger impressions in acrylic paint on a huge 9’ x 5’ canvas. Marcos has completed similar unifying projects in several countries including France, Italy, Norway, and Sweden to name a few. Each painting represents a nationwide movement bringing all of the country’s citizens together. In 2015, Christopher Cavedon, CEO of Flag for Hope, approached Marcos about creating a flag by and for all Americans. The Flag For Hope’s purpose is to bring people together and create hope in a time when the country needs it most. The painting is a symbol of healing, unity, and inspiration. Americans have been wrongfully divided by characteristics like racial background, gender, and sexuality. The handprints on this canvas allow us to see how these differences among Americans do not divide us, they bring us together. They remind us that we are all individuals united as one race - the human race.
The journey began at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 23, 2015 during the running of the 99th Indianapolis 500. Since then, the Flag has traveled more than 300,000 miles while visiting over 500 locations across America. Most of the Flag for Hope’s hand and finger impressions were painted at churches, community centers, veteran’s centers, schools, colleges, hospitals, parks, and other places where communities gather for a shared purpose.
The 50 stars on the flag were painted by true American icons chosen for their personal achievements, their commitment to serving others, and because they inspire us. Their testimonials echo the sentiments of those given all across the country... heartfelt tributes to the beauty and potential of The United States.
Own a Piece of History. Shape the future.
The original Flag For Hope canvas is a priceless and historic piece of art. It will never be sold. It will be donated to the country and displayed at a museum such as The Smithsonian or at a site such as the 9/11 memorial.
However, the artist who directed and led the project, Marcos Antonio, has created 700 one-time-only limited serigraphs of The Flag For Hope, which will be for sale. These museum-grade replicas will not only provide Americans with the opportunity to own a piece of this historic project, it will also allow them to benefit any charity they wish through Impact Art Gallery. The gallery holds its key concept for this project, which donates 30% of the proceeds from every piece sold to whatever non-profit organization/cause the buyer supports.
50 stars | 50 icons
The full list of American icons who individually painted the 50 stars on the Flag For Hope
1. Senator John McCain
2. Justice Sandra Day O’Connor
3. Muhammad Ali
4. Battalion Chief Jack Pritchard
5. Lee Ielpi
6. John Mara
7. Bonnie Blair
8. Nadia Comaneci & Bart Connor
9. George Foreman
10. Bob Wieland
11. Randy White
12. Helene Neville
13. Eric Heiden
14. Kris Kristofferson
15. Alan Hassenfeld
16. Captain Florent Groberg
17. Secret Star (Until Later Date)
35. Dr. Craig Mello
36. Gloria & Emilio Estefan
37. Tamika Catchings
38. Smokey Robinson
39. Andy Garcia
40. Admiral Patrick M. Walsh
41. Jack Nicklaus
42. Lieutenant General Michelle Johnson
43. Carlos Santana
44. Harvey Mackay
45. Roger Staubach
46. General Tom Ryan
47. Sergeant Melvin Morris
48. Major General James Livingston
49. Brigadier General Michael Neil
50. General Colin Powell
18. Bill Walton
19. Ann Meyers Drysdale
20. Anita L. DeFrantz
21. Richard “Dick” Enberg
22. Lieutenant Brian Sweeney
23. Dr. Leonard Bailey
24. Tom Dreesen
25. Gary Keller
26. Ronnie Lott
27. Mike Love
28. Rick & Dick Hoyt
29. Billie Jean King
30. Bill Self
31. Pat Boone
32. Rafer Johnson
33. Tom Selleck
34. Jackie Joyner Kersee