The theme was to be a Wisconsin sunset with Savannah Oak trees, using the colors of the labels. The design is a beautiful and warm image, inviting beer drinkers (and non- they have NA craft cocktails, too) into the now completely renovated Herbiery Taproom.
Read MorePainting wings for kids to pose in front of when they visit their parents in jail, became so much more.
Read MoreTeacher Jennifer Vena Levesque has been wanting to work together to bring a mural to her school for years, and one day at the end of January, I received a random email that we could finally do it!
Read MoreFor the first time since before COVID began, teens were back in the Department of Neighborhood Services space to help create this mural.
Read MoreWhat started with students in jail wanting a mascot to be proud of and to stand in front of for their graduation pictures, lead to the ripple effect of four murals and a logo being created, ultimately strengthening our community from the inside out.
Read MoreOver the course of several months, I created a mural with men in jail who are participating in a class to learn parenting skills to connect with their kids on the outside. From spending a few months together, we got to know each other and being in a position they’re in, I imagine it’s not easy to open up. They’re left with a mural they can be proud of, and a connection and sense of community I’m not sure any of us expected.
Read MoreOne of my favorite things to do is transform spaces. In addition to painting, I love interior design and creating a vibe!
We just finished updating The Ohio Tavern, where I helped with everything from the interior design (bar design, lighting, wall and stain colors, bathroom sinks, mirrors, plants, corner cushions, even down to the toilet paper holders) in addition to the murals. Completely gutted…
The teens who helped did a great job, and now most want to paint murals in their bedrooms. Because of the interactions with the teens, staff, social workers, and of course how bad-ass the design turned out, this was one of my all-time favorite pieces with the Detention Center.
Read MoreBecause of the relaxed environment and getting to know everyone, it was easy to forget these teens were there for a reason. At one point we had to move the table closer to the garage so we could plug in an ankle bracelet, and only in times like these was I reminded that some of them committed crimes. This project showed me it starts with knowing ourselves, bit by bit relaxing into who we were and realizing the potential of who we can become.
Read MorePics and an introduction to our summer project at the shelter in Madison, WI. Showing them a glimpse outside of their routine can help to see a light they may not have before, if even for a moment. As each week’s new focus was underway, we’d either work in silence, to some beats, or talk. In these conversations the mural design blossomed and we got a chance to learn a little something about art, and about one another, while learning new skills.
Read MoreWorking with teen residents at the juvenile shelter home in Madison, WI, USA, we brought our workshops to the wall by transforming an ordinary garage door into a portal of power. My favorite part was seeing something with so much beauty and intention come to life through so many hands.
Read MoreI was called back to collaborate with the students of Toki Middle School to redesign the sun in our 8th grade legacy mural. The rising sun as an image of renewal, should represent peace in all of us, so we shifted it to something with an uplifting feel. It was great to work with the students again, adding the final layer to the mural, evolving it.
Read More“Instead of a drab cinderblock wall, the first and last image that youth confined to the Dane County juvenile detention center, located in the City-County Building, now see on their way to and from court is a large mural meant to communicate tranquility and mindfulness.”
Read MoreI was invited to paint a mural with teens at the Juvenile Detention Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Most of the youth there are awaiting their court date, so it can be a pretty intense atmosphere, which is why the Making Justice Program started connecting artists with teens to brighten the space
Read MoreBBQ Burners was even more incredible than anticipated. With this being the first event of it's kind to sweep the streets of Madison, you'd expect a hiccup or two, but everything flowed smoothly as business owners, artists and spectators alike enjoyed the experience.
Read MoreWhile painting, along came Stuart, a London blogger who was sponsored to come to Barcelona and write about the street art scene. Read all about BCN's heavy hitters, and me! =)
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