The Hands Project
The Hands Project is a long-term community art initiative created by Charlotte-based artist Lee Ko.
Over the course of this project, 100+ artists and supporters will have their hands cast — forming a collective portrait of the creative spirit of our community.
Together, these hands will stand as a tribute to creativity, community, and a lasting cycle of giving back.
Story in Brief
The Hands Project grew naturally from Lee Ko’s long-standing sculptural practice of hand and foot casting, which began in 2007 with the birth of her first child. What started as a way to preserve fleeting moments of her children’s early years slowly evolved into a deeper exploration of touch, memory, and the passage of time.
In 2022, inspired by Eva Crawford’s “Your Good Neighborhood” exhibition, Ko began reimagining the practice as a way to honor artists and supporters in the greater Charlotte area. The first cast was made on December 29, 2022 — with Eva herself. After a year of quiet development, the project formally expanded in 2024 and successfully concluded its journey in 2026.
Though 100 was the initial goal, by the time the final collaboration piece was completed on August 29, 2026, a total of 106 artworks had been created from 107 casted hands. Now, after this long and meaningful journey, these shared works are ready to be unveiled and celebrated together as a living testament to our community.
Upcoming Exhibition
We are happy to share that five exhibition venues have been confirmed for The Hands Project. We look forward to seeing you at these locations.
LoSo Studios, Charlotte, NC: September 24, 2026 -October 21, 2026
Opening Reception: September 24, 5:30 – 8:30 PM (=> RSVP for the Opening Reception !!!)
Richland Library Main, Columbia, SC: November 6, 2026 – January 1, 2027
Opening Reception: TBA
Art Council of York County – Dalton Gallery, Rock Hill, SC: January 8, 2027 – February 13, 2027
Opening Reception: TBA
thehallway:communityart @ 701 Whaley, Columbia, SC: September 2, 2027 – November 2, 2027
Opening Reception: TBA
Vision
Looking ahead, The Hands Project is envisioned as a living collective archive. All net proceeds from the exhibition and book sales will be dedicated entirely to supporting foster care services for children and local artists in need, honoring our shared agreement with all participating artists.
This ensures the project remains a lasting cycle of creativity, generosity, and shared responsibility.
The Hands Project Instagram
Archive the Journey - The Hands Project Art Book!
The Hands Project began in Charlotte and expanded over three years to surrounding areas including Fort Mill, Rock Hill, Columbia, Cornelius, Huntersville, and Raleigh.
Through this journey, it met dedicated hands across various fields, bringing together 107 participants to create a collaborative collection of 106 finished artworks. This book documents the collaborative results and the record of hands shaped through the long journey.
Proceeds from The Hands Project Art Book will be used to support local children’s foster care organizations and arts communities in need, as agreed.
The Hands Project in the Press
The Hands Project has received editorial coverage across local arts and broadcast media, reflecting its growing presence within Charlotte’s creative community.
Click the images below to view the full features.
The Process
The Hands Project is a community-rooted art initiative conceived and led by artist Lee Ko.
Each participant takes part in an individual casting session at Ko’s studio, where a mold of their hand is created as a lasting record of presence, labor, and creative contribution. Through this process, the hand becomes both a personal imprint and a shared gesture within a larger collective work.
While Ko completes the sculptural casting, participants contribute their own creative voice by designing a personalized back panel using collage, drawing, photography, or meaningful imagery. In this way, each participant becomes an active collaborator in the creation of the final artwork.
Together, these works form a growing collective portrait of a regional arts ecosystem — documenting the relationships, experiences, and shared creative labor that shape the cultural landscape of the city.
Each casting exists both as an individual artwork and as part of a larger archival installation, reinforcing the project’s long-term vision as a living community collection.
The 100 Hands
© 2023-2026 Hands On Well and The Hands Project. All rights reserved.
*All sculptures, molds, casts, and related works created through this project remain part of The Hands Project collection. This ensures the works may be preserved and shared in their entirety for exhibition, educational, and archival purposes.
*While community collaboration and support are deeply valued, the artistic direction, production, and stewardship of The Hands Project remain under the leadership of Lee Ko through Hands On Well.
*Hands On Well is not responsible for personal injury or damage to personal property during participation. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
**This project comes to life thanks to the generous
in-kind support of our partners:
Implement Legal — Legal guidance and protection
Loso Studios — workspace and exhibition coordination
Adams Outdoor Advertising – Promotion
ArtPop – Resource connections and advocacy
workbylee – Artistic direction and hands-on production
