ArtPrize has taken on a few new twists and turns this year, and one ArtPrize artist has decided to bring another change to the contest. In her entry, Milan's Virtual Balloon Launch, Jo Valenti has formulated an interactive project that serves as a way for participants to remember lost loved ones in an eco-friendly way. But not only is it a sentimental memorial, it's a fundraiser, too.

Valenti's collaboration with Andrew Powell of 2G TechWorks, Inc., has created a website that will allow you to purchase a virtual balloon for $5 that you can put your loved one's name and age on. A return e-mail will provide you with a code number to track when your balloon will launch. You can watch the launch online or from Valenti's ArtPrize venue, Huntington Bank. All proceeds from the project will be given to support pediatric cancer research. But the story goes a lot deeper.

"I have known Philip and Sharyn Capobianco for years," Valenti said. "Their daughter Milan had a lot of challenges throughout her life and no one knew what was wrong. She was ultimately diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor."

Milan died on Feb. 12, 2009 but Valenti knows her liveliness will live on.

"She had an incredible spirit despite all these physical challenges," Valenti said. "She was always smiling and happy-go-lucky. She had an infectious spirit and never complained. That's what I loved about her. She was somebody you would remember because of who she was at such a young age."

After Milan's death, the Capobiancos set up a fund, Milan's Miracle Fund, through which all proceeds go directly to pediatric cancer research. Valenti's ArtPrize profit will go into the fund.

"The wonderful thing about this is that it's a community work of art," she said. "I'm just giving people the ability to create this work of art. Whoever launches a balloon, it's their work of art. Even though your loved ones are gone, they're able to make a positive difference through this entry since all proceeds go to pediatric cancer research."

Valenti's goal is one million balloons and she is confident about reaching it.

"The Grand Rapids area is such a generous community," she said. "They cherish the family unit. That's why I think it would touch people here more than other places. But it is global, anyone anywhere can sign up to be involved."

Valenti also said being involved in the contest has nothing to do with the grand prize.

"We're not gonna win, that's not an issue," she said. "It's about the awareness and doing something good."

Andrew Powell and  Jo Valenti pictured right.