Keys of Loss and Hope: Community Transforms Destruction Into Memorial Art Project

In the wake of the January Eaton Fire, a community-driven initiative has emerged to transform personal tragedy into a powerful collective statement of hope and rebuilding.

The Keychain Project, started by Altadena resident Kate Sullivan after losing her house, invites those who lost homes, apartments, or businesses to preserve their keys as part of a unique memorial.

Sullivan’s vision originated from a post on Nextdoor, capturing the imagination of local volunteers who saw deeper meaning in the humble household object.

“A key has power. A key is the last thing you put in your pocket or toss in your bag as you go for your neighborhood walk and you always fish around for when you get back,” explains Caty Maxey, a project volunteer. “Keys are among the most vital tools humans own; Hearing the jingle of your keys makes you feel safe.”

The project has established multiple drop-off locations across the San Gabriel Valley:

• Samy’s Camera (1759 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena) Ask for Frank Schlegel, Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m., (626) 796-3300
• Prime Pizza (1900 Allen Avenue, Altadena) Bucket outside front door, Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., (626)714-1774
• Arnold’s Hardware (297 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre) Ask for Brittany, bucket behind checkout, Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., (626) 355-3365
• Green & Bisque Clayhouse (1563 North Lake Ave., Pasadena) Bucket outside front door, Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (626-791-9220
• Raven’s Gallery (1545 W. Sunset Blvd.) Thurs.-Sun. 12 p.m.-7 p.m.

“We feel this will be a powerful visual statement that we hope will help people move forward,” Maxey added.

Residents are urged to save their keys instead of discarding them, transforming individual loss into a shared narrative of resilience and recovery.

Volunteers are critically needed to support the Keychain Project. Those interested can email project volunteer Nancy Larrew directly at nlarrew@mac.com.

“We are going to need help,” Larrew emphasizes, inviting community members to participate in this healing initiative.

The project continues to grow, offering a unique method of processing grief and community solidarity in the aftermath of the devastating fire.

For all other project information, visit https://keychainproject.org/.