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It’s Never Too Late for Love! The Art of the Valentine

by Elena Vincent, Curatorial Administrative Assistant

2/21/2025

Valentine's Day

Sending and receiving Valentine’s Day cards brings a special kind of joy that transcends age. Whether it’s a handmade card from a child or a carefully chosen one from a partner, this token of affection carries heartfelt messages that brighten our day. The act of selecting or creating a valentine allows us to express our feelings in a tangible way, while receiving one brings a sense of being cherished and remembered.

A poem with ink wash illustrations
Hyong Ahn (South Korean, b. 1954), The Valentines, 1986, ink and color on paper, The Howard and Caroline Porter Collection. (1996.74)

Collection Highlight: Take a moment to appreciate a heartfelt message about familial love.

The Valentines, an abstract drawing by Hyong Nam Ahn (South Korean, b. 1954) is composed of three overlapping arcs, a heavy vertical line, and numerous triangles. The piece features a poem at right written in both English and Korean by Sung Jin Ahn. This sweet poem reflects the joy two parents feel reading and displaying Valentine’s Day cards they received from each of their daughters-in-law.

The simple tradition of sending cards fosters connections and spreads love, making Valentine’s Day a delightful occasion to celebrate our bonds with those who matter most. This Valentine’s Day, take a moment to really connect with those who enrich your life. Write a heartfelt note to your parents, plan a card-crafting night with your best friends, or make a handmade gift for your romantic partner. Let all these gestures be a beautiful reminder that love, in all its forms, is worth celebrating.