WHAT IS PROJECTS OF L.O.V.E.?

Lots Of Valuable Engery

Projects of L.O.V.E. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization rooted in the belief that creativity is a powerful doorway into community, connection, and personal transformation. While art is often the first thing people see, it is only the beginning. Each project begins with an idea shaped by the communities around us—what we notice, what we feel, and what seems to matter. From there, it grows into an experience designed to support the people it’s meant to reach.

Projects of L.O.V.E. was never meant to be just one program or one kind of offering.

**It is a project-based initiative with the flexibility to grow, shift, and take shape in relation to the people and communities connected to it.**

Youth programming, adult engagement, intergenerational gatherings, storytelling, healing-centered spaces, and public art all fall within its reach. What matters most is that each project is rooted in care, purpose, and possibility.

At its heart, Projects of L.O.V.E. exists to uplift, to listen, and to help communities see themselves through the lens of creativity. Whether through a quiet moment of reflection, a shared story, a new skill learned, the simple joy of creating together, or the spark that comes from witnessing someone else’s creative expression, each project is built to offer something meaningful back to the people it touches.

HOW PROJECTS OF L.O.V.E. WORKS

Projects of L.O.V.E. was built on a simple but powerful structure: each initiative operates as its own project, designed with intention and shaped through a series of thoughtful iterations. This allows room for experimentation, learning, expansion, and reflection as the work unfolds.

THE THREE-ITERATION PROJECT MODEL

Iteration 1 — Concept Test

A small, obtainable version of the idea.

This first run helps us understand what resonates, what needs adjusting, and how the project lives in real time.

Iteration 2 — Full Realization

A more intentional, refined, and fully realized version grounded in what we learned.

Here, the project steps into its fuller vision.

Iteration 3 — Encore or Variation

If feasible, a third iteration is offered—

either as an encore or as a variation that deepens the project’s purpose and impact.

PARTNERSHIP AT THE CORE

No project stands alone.
Each initiative is strengthened by the individuals, groups, and organizations who walk alongside it to fully support the needs of each project.

When a project centers on mental health, we bring in trusted, licensed professionals.
During the SUCCESSors’ Gallery Project, we partnered with Woke Chicago to support the youth’s emotional wellness and personal development.
When needed, we collaborate with artists, educators, mentors, and community builders whose work aligns with the project’s purpose.

These partnerships ensure that each project is carried out with depth, responsibility, and integrity.

THE UNDERLYING INTENTION

Creativity may be what draws people in, but it is far more than an entry point. Art holds space for healing, reflection, and possibility—and woven through it are the supportive elements each project is designed to offer.

Every Projects of L.O.V.E. initiative begins with an idea—a spark.
As the project develops, the community it is meant to serve becomes clear, and adjustments are made to ensure the work truly fits the people it reaches.

This allows Projects of L.O.V.E. to remain a flexible framework, capable of taking many forms and serving different groups while staying grounded in purpose, care, and creativity.

The Project That Started It All

As the very first initiative under Projects of L.O.V.E., the SUCCESSors’ Gallery Project set the foundation for our mission: using creativity not only as expression, but as a pathway to connection, growth, and personal transformation.

The SUCCESSors’ Gallery Project represents original artwork created by youth from across Chicago. Across its two iterations (2023–2024), the project offered a space where young people could explore their creativity, learn new skills, and experience what it feels like to be seen, supported, and celebrated as artists.

**Inside the studio, creativity became both a tool and a bridge.**

Youth engaged in hands-on artmaking, personal storytelling, and guided exploration—allowing them to try new materials, test ideas, and discover their own artistic voice. This spirit of exploration encouraged curiosity, experimentation, and the courage to express themselves freely.

As they created, they also learned the kind of life skills that extend far beyond the arts: problem-solving, public speaking, collaboration, self-advocacy, responsibility, and follow-through. Many learned how to describe their work, prepare it for display, greet guests, and speak to audiences with newfound confidence.

Throughout the program, youth received meaningful exposure—to visiting artists, new techniques, wellness practices through partners like Woke Chicago, and real gallery environments through citywide pop-up exhibitions. These moments gave participants the chance to practice professionalism, connect with community members, and share their work in ways that felt both exciting and affirming.

As they moved through this experience, a natural sense of unity developed within the cohort. Participants learned how to collaborate, support one another, solve problems together, and celebrate each other's successes. Many described the group as a family—one formed through creativity, trust, and shared growth.

Through all of this, creativity remained the heart of the project—not only as an artistic practice, but as a source of joy, expression, confidence, and connection. For many youth, it became a doorway into new possibilities and a deeper understanding of themselves.

With the support of teaching artists, community partners, and mentors, the cohort hosted multiple public exhibitions, resulting in over $500 in art sales in 2023 and more than $2,300 in 2024 with the help of a DCASE grant.

Due to overwhelming community interest and the meaningful impact felt by youth and families, the SUCCESSors’ Gallery Project may continue alongside future Projects of L.O.V.E. initiatives, depending on available resources and support.

Looking Ahead

Projects of L.O.V.E. is ready for its next initiative—an adult-focused project that explores themes of mental health, truth-telling, and the inner narratives we often keep hidden. Through creativity, storytelling, and guided reflection, participants will move through a process designed to support healing, expression, and deeper understanding.

This project will ultimately lead to a multi-sensory art exhibition that brings these stories to life. The exhibition will be accompanied by community programming, offering space for connection, conversation, and shared learning.

The concept is fully developed and ready to move forward once the necessary resources are in place.

The Invitation for Support

Projects of L.O.V.E. is ready for what comes next—but we cannot move forward alone.

To bring future initiatives to life, we are seeking meaningful support in the form of resources, space, partnership, and financial contributions. Each of these elements plays an essential role in allowing our projects to take shape with intention, care, and integrity.

If you feel connected to this work—whether through shared purpose, shared values, or a desire to help build creative, healing-centered spaces—we welcome your support. There are many ways to be part of this next chapter, and each one makes a real difference.

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About the Founder

Projects of L.O.V.E. was created by Gloria I. Rivera, a South Side Chicago native and the owner of Gloria I. Rivera Creative Studios LLC. Gloria is a visual artist, teaching artist, and community-centered creative whose work is rooted in storytelling, healing, and connection. She also serves as the Executive Director of Projects of L.O.V.E., guiding the organization with intention, care, and a deep commitment to the people and communities it serves.

The SUCCESSors’ Gallery Project

A Projects of L.O.V.E. initiative