If you're sick and tired of the Hallmarkization of Valentine's Day, a walk through Trinity Bellwoods today might offer something of an antidote. Located in the laneway just north of the main gate is an impromptu and interactive art project that offers a reminder that today doesn't need to be solely about boxes of chocolate, fancy dinners and flowers. Consisting of thousands of Valentines, the installation invites those passing by to spread its constituent parts across the city as a reminder that V-day can also serve as an occasion to spread the love in general.

I caught up with one of its creators for a brief chat about the project. Here's our Q & A session.

Who exactly spread the Valentines (a group of friends, artist collective, business, etc.)?

It was the collective work of a group of artists/friends, led by Jaclyn Kaloczi.

How many do you think there are in total?

Almost 5000.

What was your inspiration for putting this together?

Valentine's Day has become increasingly marketed towards a romantic ideal leaving, so many who don't have that 'someone special' to share the holiday with get to feeling down. That's enough! Why does the act of spreading love have to be a romantic gesture? Looking around our city, there are endless things to fall in love with; our streets, our people, our beautiful City Hall, our CN Tower, Kensington Market, our backyards and residential street scape... and the list goes on. Everyone finds love in different places. Today seemed like a great day to spread this love around the city - for others, for ourselves and for any place or anything where we can recognize love.

Why Trinity Bellwoods?

Rather than spreading the Valentines ourselves around the city, we chose one spot to install them . This way, people can come together for a shared experience and interpret
the Valentines/spread their love each in their own way.

What would people ideally do with them once found?

Spread the love.

Photos by Connie Tsang.