Carmen Paulino is a Manhattan-based fiber artist, or yarn bomber, who uses her art to beautify and strengthen the community

In 2019, she launched a project called The Community Heart in which she invited people in community centers to make crochet squares that she then wove together into huge hearts, symbolizing diversity and unity. “What made it so welcoming,” says Carmen, “is that we had people who were immigrants and people who are American come together and create such beautiful art.” Together, they produced five hearts that she displayed across the city.

You can follow Carmen’s beautiful work on @carmencommunityartist, where you’ll also hear her interviews with fellow fiber artists and discover her weekly Yarn club held at @Mojodesserts