By Heidi (HiD) Schwartz | Live Event Painter, PaintYourEvent.com

How do you paint something meant to be pulled apart?

That was the challenge—and the opportunity—with the Puzzle Canvas I created for LPL Financial’s anniversary celebration. They wanted a piece that reflected the spirit of their team, the culture they’d built, and the values they live by. But there was a twist: it would eventually be broken into 11 individual pieces, each going to a different office across the country.

It had to be unified and meaningful—even when separated.

As a live event painter, I’m used to working in the moment, reacting to the energy in the room. But this project was also about anticipation. About making sure that, no matter where a piece ended up, it still told part of the story—and that the whole picture could still be felt, even from a distance.

The process felt symbolic.

A little chaotic.

A little sacred.

Just like the teams and people it represents.

Each brushstroke became a thread—connecting cities, coworkers, and values. And watching the puzzle come together (and then be gently taken apart) was a full-circle moment.

This isn’t just a painting—it’s a tangible reminder that every person, every team, every office matters. Even when we’re in different places, we’re still part of something bigger.