"Picking up the Pieces" was submitted to the 2021 Symbols of Hope art contest by Jane Ertl from Mount Saint Mary High.

"When I was faced with the theme ‘Symbols of Hope’, my mind flooded with ideas & inspiration. The year 2020 was in desperate need of a symbol of hope, and I believe that that symbol can be found in the year 2021. Besides the pandemic a major theme in 2020 was the many hateful acts of violence within American communities that were based off of differences between races genders & beliefs. Our country became divided by these acts & will forever change how we view conflict. However, these acts occurred almost a year ago and they were part of a trend that must be left in the past. Now, in the year 2021, it is essential that we are working towards healing. My piece demonstrates a young black woman who is made of broken glass; she is broken because of the spiteful atrocities committed against her race and beliefs this past year. This woman is crying joyful tears because a white man is handing her her last piece of glass, a small gesture with an enormous impact. This entry is to be an example for all who gaze upon it. It is to promote healing not only within major & minor communities, but between them as well, its simplistic design is easy for individuals of all ages & backgrounds to understand. 2021 is meant to be a year of compassion and repair, and it is a movement that must start with every American who is willing to advocate for change."

• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil
• Paper weight: 5.57 oz/y² (189 g/m²)
• Giclée printing quality
• Opacity: 94%
• ISO brightness: 104%