Leading Art Nonprofit Organizations
Impressions of Humanity is a leader in art nonprofit organizations by creating the world’s largest living artwork with hand impressions.
Who We Are
Impressions of Humanity (IOH) is more than an art initiative—it’s a global movement and one of the most impactful art nonprofit organizations. Founded by visionary artist Marcos Antonio, IOH is dedicated to celebrating the power of art to unite people across cultures and borders.
Our mission is to harness the transformative power of art to celebrate diversity, promote healing, and foster global unity. Through exhibitions, education, and collaborative projects, we strive to amplify individual voices and create lasting impressions that inspire change.
We envision a world where creativity bridges communities, cultures, and causes. Our goal is to collect 2,000 hand or finger impressions from each of the 193 UN member countries. These will become breathtaking flag-inspired canvases, each accompanied by powerful documentary films and photography that capture the people and their stories.
Together, these artworks will tour the globe—forming a visual thread of unity and human expression.
Our Evolution
IOH began in 2009 when Marcos Antonio returned to the Dominican Republic and collected 1,888 hand impressions—launching a global community art movement. Originally, participants gave their names, photos, and hand impressions. With encouragement from filmmaker Fernando Birri and author Gabriel García Márquez, video clips were added to preserve voices and presence for future generations. As the project grew, it evolved into national flags composed entirely of hand impressions. The first—Norway—required over 25,000 prints and multiple revisions. Over time, the team refined its artistic techniques, flag layouts, and participant engagement. Today, IOH reflects nearly two decades of global collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to shared humanity.
About the
Founder
About the Founder
Your time and talents can make a real impact.
We welcome volunteers with skills in:
- Fundraising & outreach
- Trip coordination
- Event planning
- Marketing & social media
- Research & data collection
Our Story
Impressions of Humanity was born from the belief that art can be a universal language of peace and connection. Founded by Marcos Antonio and supported by a diverse team of creatives, educators, and community organizers, IOH started with a simple idea: What if every person left their mark—literally—on a piece of a larger, collective vision?
Our signature piece—a monumental painting of hand impressions—sparked a series of flag-based artworks, each made by real people representing their nation. These living archives reflect identity, culture, and unity.
A Global Tapestry
When complete, all 193 works will be woven into a historic tapestry featuring nearly one million people—a visual and emotional tribute to our shared humanity. Each hand impression is more than paint—it symbolizes identity, unity, and belonging. This historic collection will serve as a visual and emotional tribute to our shared humanity, capturing the beauty of diversity and the power of collective expression. It’s not just art—it’s a movement captured in color, story, and spirit that unites cultural nonprofit organizations and communities worldwide.
Our Growth
and Impact
- 17+ years of global engagement
- 50+ countries participated to date
- Thousands of hand impressions were collected
- Dozens of workshops and public events are held each year
- Art therapy and youth programs with measurable improvements in well-being
- One million impressions are projected for global tapestry upon completion
Meet the Team
Our core team consists of artists, educators, activists, and visionaries from around the globe. We’re united by a shared belief in the power of creative expression to shift perspectives and spark change.
LOREM IPSUM
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book.
LOREM IPSUM
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book.
LOREM IPSUM
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book.
LOREM IPSUM
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book.
What We Do
Art Exhibitions and Installations
We create large-scale, handprint-based flag artworks showcased in cultural venues and public spaces worldwide.
International Art Projects
We partner with artists, governments, and organizations across the globe to co-create meaningful, cross-cultural art experiences.
Community Engagement and Art Therapy
We design programs for seniors, at-risk youth, and vulnerable populations, using art to foster wellness, resilience, and a sense of belonging. These experiences use creativity to promote connection and emotional growth.
Membership and Mentorship Initiatives
We support a growing global network of creators and changemakers through creative mentorship, shared opportunities, and access to exclusive events. Together, we nurture emerging voices and amplify impact.
Who We Serve
From emerging artists and educators to cultural explorers and at-risk youth, Impressions of Humanity is for anyone who believes in the power of art to unite, heal, and inspire. Our programs are designed to uplift diverse voices and unite people across generations, backgrounds, and borders—connecting communities and encouraging meaningful cultural exchange.
The Spirit of Our Work
We believe in the power of connection through storytelling, art, and shared moments of humanity. Everything we create is rooted in empathy and driven by purpose. Whether collaborating across cultures or inspiring our local community, we lead with warmth, creativity, and hope. Each hand impression is a reminder that your story matters.
Want to Join Us?
Whether you’re an artist, volunteer, partner, or supporter, there’s a place for your voice, hand, and story in this movement. As one of today’s leading art nonprofit organizations, Impressions of Humanity welcomes all who believe in the power of creativity to connect and uplift.