“While we are all watching caregivers, nurses, and doctors giving all they can to our communities, risking their lives for us, we want to find a way to honor them. They should all get a medal, a votive offering given in gratitude or devotion. At some point this crisis will end and there will be a moment when we can thank them for all they do. We propose to present as many health workers as we can with a medal based on a traditional ex-voto, also to mark the moment when we can see a future.”

The Hand Medal Project, conceived of by artists Iris Eichenberg and Jimena Rios, honors healthcare workers around the world for their service and sacrifice during the pandemic. The project’s idea was inspired by ex-votos—a small devotional object given in fulfillment of a vow or in gratitude or devotion. Read more