Metro Panthers is Born!

For privacy purposes, “Student __” is used instead of real names and images are edited.
This project was in collaboration with The Bubbler’s Making Justice Program. I appreciate your support!

After 25 years of their high school existing, a group of boys in Dane County Jail had the thought “Why don’t we have a mascot?” Their teacher Tina Geier engaged discussions around what that would look like if it existed, and after a few tries (Monsters? Chameleons?) they discovered a deep connection to the movie Black Panther was the answer. As Tina explained “…Once one breaks through the protective barrier, and looks below the surface, it is a place of creativity, prosperity and advanced technology. Like Wakanda and it’s people, Metro and it’s students are so much more than what appears on the surface.” Student A created an initial drawing of a panther (hanging framed next to the mural.) They wanted to bring their idea to life and before graduation, make a mural to pose in front of. I don’t think we were prepared for how much this would mean, to all of us.

I received a call from Librarian Jesse Vieau of the Making Justice Program, that some of the boys I’d worked with on the “Look Within” Mural at the Detention Center were now in jail and wanted my help in designing and painting a mascot. Only problems were: we had 2 weeks to make it and I couldn’t go inside. After learning these perceived obstacles it was obvious, I had to do it. =) The design was developed in an online meeting, by sharing their ideas as I transformed them into an initial concept. Jungle flowers, purple, a doorway and of course, panther were included per their request and at seeing that first draft, they loved it. I added orange hues for a complimentary pop, made the doorway a circle (more organic and welcoming for the space), as well as creating a section for one of the students to be able to use his drawing skills, while including pieces for different levels. The top 2 tattoo style hibiscus were reserved for Student A, while the others painted the jungle leaves.

Since I couldn’t go inside, I created a system with the paints and sections labeled so we could trade off the canvas, similar to painting by numbers. They worked from their classroom where I guided them in online meetings and other times they worked one on one with their teacher’s assistance. Most of my parts like the mapping, spray and touch ups were made at the local shelter (thanks for letting me spray there, you all!). With everyone eager to make this happen, even with 6 boys broken into 5 groups, it went more smoothly than anyone could have anticipated. Their work space (and the room it now hangs in) is about the size of the canvas itself, so at times “it was like playing twister” Tina said. For one student with a 1 foot chain and handcuffs, they had to rotate the canvas itself in order to work, and though uncomfortable, he spent hours painting.

Painting projects often give the ability to connect with the outside world, ourselves, and each other and even though this one took place under lock down, it was no different. From a young man who just arrived saying it was “immature and childish” to moments later opening up after having a paintbrush in hand and going for hours, to the boys encouraging good behavior so they wouldn’t miss a chance to paint, this mural provided focus, pride and positivity. Tina reported “I know for a couple of our young men who are really struggling with emotions and mental health stuff, this was the big motivator and really pulled them out of some dark places. The mental health support this gave the guys was immeasurable.” It has made a difference in not only the students, but shifted the dynamic between those who see our panther. “It changes the view of the staff to ‘this place means something.’ Things change when you walk in this room, everything falls away and you can just be you.”

Because this project has created a ripple effect of positivity, the Sergeant is starting a writing project in a women’s facility for adult inmates to inspire troubled youth at a local high school. Hearing this brought tears to my eyes. These murals and the art I create are meant to awaken people to their inner truth and connect us on a human level, so knowing I am part of making a positive shift means the world to me. Seeing the giant smile of Student E in his cap and gown with the panther eyes staring over his shoulder made me think, if this is what transforming a wall together can do inside of a jail, imagine the size of waves just waiting to be made.



We can’t show their smiling faces due to privacy, but trust me these boys are incredibly proud and happy to be united as The Metro Panthers!

THANK YOU! to the boys in Dane County Metro Jail for making this magic happen from start to finish (and for requesting my skills!), their Teacher Tina Geier for making their dream a reality, the Making Justice Program for all of your dedication to helping these projects come alive, Staff at the Dane County Juvenile Shelter Home for letting me use your garage to map and spray. This wouldn’t have happened without you! Much love!

Scroll through pics above to see our progress.

Since this project ended Student A has fallen into a dark place.

He said “I really need another project like that, so I can get my mental health back on track.”