Metamorphosis; a Community Mural...and then some.

In 2021, I put out a call for mosaic butterflies with a goal of creating something with and for Monarch Sculpture Park in Tenino, WA. However, multiple obligations took precedence, both for me and John, the caretaker of the park. He took two other jobs teaching ceramics full time. I was selected/hired for a steady stream of commissions. We both have had our hands full, and the mosaic butterflies that were received were kept in storage.

So, in 2023, I decided to pursue a different community project that uses the butterflies in a new design. Since I'm going to be the featured artist for Olympia's fall Arts Walk festival, I am coordinating a mural to culminate during the event. This mural will have a figure emerging from a chrysalis as the centerpiece, designed to be a photo-op where visitors can become part of the mural. I'm toying with adding stylized trees on each side with open cocoons on the branches, as if all of these butterflies have recently emerged. The message is about transformation of societies and individuals, and the idea of becoming our most splendid, magnificent selves.

As of February 2023, I have not secured a wall or funding. I have been awarded fiscal sponsorship by The Field NYC, an organization that accepts tax deductible donations to support individual artists through crowdfunding. I have just launched my first fundraiser: https://app.thefield.org/home/donation/crowd/view/185/Community-Mural-Seed-Fund?fbclid=IwAR3SxFVp0vSdESPqL7jCtPfVuCc3ibTrDzbCfn2K5Aj_cE-9uhR6-ycjWRo

My hope is that the 501C3 status will encourage businesses to partner with me on this. In fact, for years, I've been wanting to establish a program for community art in the South Sound region. I'm getting ahead of myself, but I have a vision for the future that includes creating art for neighborhoods, schools and organizations through community engagement that will grow into a larger endeavor. Community art is empowering for the participants, brings people together across all barriers, and helps to beautify spaces. We can accomplish more with less resources by using this approach, and there is so much plain concrete all around us, I think we should be adding colorful art to as much of it as possible.

But for right now, I'm going to take a leap and see if we can get this one mural made. Suggestions and leads are very welcome. I'll be seeking grants to increase my ability to offer hands-on activities in Olympia from May to October. In the meantime, You Be You!

April Update: We have a wall!

This wall is on the back side of Lloyd's Automotive, facing 4th Ave., next to McCoy's Tavern. It is set back enough that pedestrians will be safe to pose in front of it and it is a stone's throw from my first ever community project, the Artesian Well (2012). 

April 9 update: Honed design, superimposed on the wall:

My Procreate skills are clunky, but I did my best to show how the mural will look on the wall of 425 4th Ave. in Olympia, WA.

May Update: 

The last weekend of April, I was at Olympia Spring Arts Walk leading the initial activity, having participants make the wings of the figure with recycled glass tiles. Turnout was fantastic, as was the weather, and we finished the wings over 2 days. Since then, I've been slowly tidying and filling the mosaic and applying for any grants I thing I might qualify for. So far, I've been able to pay for materials and admin through the fundraiser, but in order to offer workshops through summer, I really need to raise more funds. Otherwise, I have to take on commissions to keep my bills paid. Either way, the central figure will go up, along with as many butterflies as I receive (I have about 10 so far.)

Councilman Dontae Payne and his family

A snapshot of the activity at Arts Walk. 

Hands working together...

Sunkissed participant

Heart-Rainbow Diversity Mural Project

After the nightclub shooting in Orlando, I felt heartbroken.  I have many friends and students who identify as LGBTQ, and I was at a loss as to how to express my condolences, support and advocacy.  An idea came to me: filling a  wall with mosaic hearts made by anyone wanting to express these sentiments.

Initially, I reached out to some graduates of my mosaic program involved in Stonewall Youth to see if we could run the project through the organization.  But, it never got off the ground, and then the election sort of threw me for a loop and the project continued to germinate in my mind.

The most alarming aspect of last year's campaign and election, for me, was realizing the extreme level of divisiveness in the U.S. (and in  much of the world, actually.)  This project continued to nag at me, until I was chatting with the custodian at the high school where I teach mosaic on Fridays.  I found myself telling her about my concept, and she became very excited.  So, I met with the Principal of the school and asked if I could use class time on Fridays to create this mural with our students.  She enthusiastically agreed to it, so we started the following week, without knowing where it would go.

Shortly after, I posted on facebook that I was looking for a wall for my mural.  Within a half hour, I had a meeting arranged with the owner of Flourish in Olympia, who was already on board.  By now, I have permission from the owner of the building, and the project will be installed on a huge wall in Downtown Olympia.  

When standing and admiring this mural, made to honor Rachel Corrie, and with a similar community spirit, to the left up the block will be a wall of hearts.  I've already had several mosaic artists say they will send me hearts to incorporate, including one from Canada and one from Australia!  For experienced mosaic artists who want to send your heart, place fiberglass mesh over your design (which must be covered by plastic, or done onto slick freezer paper) and glue your tesserae to the mesh.  Thinset is ideal, but I am using weldbond with my students because it is much easier in this situation.  When it is dry, you can peel the paper template off the back and mail the heart to:

Choice High School

Attn: Jennifer Kuhns / Room 106

807 Pine St.

Shelton, WA 98584, U.S.A.

*I currently have zero budget to complete this project.  I have applied for funds through one program, which would cover most of the expense.  I also plan to seek sponsorships and to do fundraising events.  If you have any ideas for me, please get in touch.  We are in desperate need of opaque glass and glass tiles, mesh, and cash for supplies.

The first public heart-making event will take place on Saturday, April 22 during Arts Walk.  Location TBD.  I'll keep posting as more details are confirmed.