Metal art gifted to Chamber; dedication event is May 13

A special dedication event is planned for May 13, 5 p.m. at the Cowboy Pocket Park next to the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce office.

The Love Lock is a piece of artwork created by Green Country Center Welding Instructor Steven Hale, and has been gifted to Henryetta Chamber as a symbol of all love.

Whether making a wish or showing a gesture of unbreakable love, Henryetta is the perfect destination, for tourists, travelers and locals. Everyone is welcome to purchase a lock at the local Chamber of Commerce for $5 or bring their own and place on the heart chain link. The Love Lock is located in the Cowboy Pocket Park Next to the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce.

Here is the background of how the metal art came to be: “Last year, Amber (Mordecai) had hoped to visit a famous Love Lock Bridge, but life had different plans. TJ Mordecai, who had been living with Ulcerative Colitis, had a life-threatening perforation that resulted in the removal of his colon and months of healing and rehabilitation.

“With two more surgeries planned for 2024, Amber decided to try to construct her own love lock statue and set it up on their property in rural Henryetta. While TJ was in the hospital for his second surgery, she thought maybe other people would LOVE the idea too. So, she designed the art piece and emailed GCTC welding instructor Steven (Hale) to get his input. A meeting was set, and TJ and Steven had a plan. The rest is here!”

Amber Atoigue-Mordecai and Troy Mordecai: “Our hope is for this to be a destination for tourist, travelers and locals, to stop and buy a lock from the Chamber, and enjoy the moment. Take in the symbol of Everlasting Love. Make it a yearly tradition, whether with your significant other, your kids, families and your best friends.

Amber: I am blessed to have a partner in this life who is willing to take all my crazy thoughts and ideas and work with me to bring them to life. He works so hard for his family; how could you not love that. We can’t thank GCTC Instructor Steven Hale, Chamber Director Genny Mooney and Chamber President Ashley Morris enough for their input and allowing us to share this with everyone.

TJ: Amber was so excited for this, and she asked me to do it so I did. I would do anything to make her visions come true. I want to put the first lock on every year. She’s my LOVE. Special Thank You to our very good friends Terry & Starla Bush for donating the final piece needed to finish.

For more information, contact Chamber Director Genny Mooney at 918-652-3331, henryettachamber@ att.net and www.henryetta.org.