The Heart
We first started the idea of this mural back in November of 2016, where we held a short impromptu meeting with various students of color on their thoughts, emotions, and feelings related to recent events including the Presidential election, the sudden passing of OSU Faculty member Oscar Montemayor, and actions and networking ideas in how we can better connect our various communities in support, strength and unity. It was a time and space for real healing. The idea of a mural series across Oregon came to light. The aim was that each mural piece, depending where it would be located, would be a reflection of that community’s values, thoughts, emotions, current events, knowledge, and more. It would be that community’s story. The shape of the mural, being like that of a puzzle piece, is how we would connect these stories, it would become a symbol of how we can connect our communities.
Yet, how might we come up with a mural design that represents community, is inclusive, and encompasses its values? It was not easy. It took much time and effort through workshops, conferences, tabling events, presentations, visits to campus centers, online survey, presentations and our open community meetings. We had to take the time to learn and listen.
Overall, it may be safe to say that we reached out to over 250 individuals. This includes our 70 volunteer community painters, where our youngest volunteer was 3. So previous painting experience was not required, and everyone was welcomed to contribute. We have a purpose for why we choose to do this? For a person to have never painted a mural before, or to hold that paintbrush and place it on the wall. There is a sense of vulnerability, the feeling of doing something you have never done before, knowing you are helping make a difference, and sometimes even a sense of empowerment.
Considering where this idea has started from, a space for healing, support, making a difference, emotions and thoughts. We chose to maintain this throughout our entire process. We hope you might capture that sense too.
