Photos by Ruby Brubaker

In participating in this project I felt wildly out of my comfort zone. I had never worked in journalism let alone wrote a blog. Even though Kate had never worked on a mural or even with spray paint before I envied her calm and easygoing nature. Over the course of three weeks, she created a beautiful and provocative piece of art and I am grateful to have been a part of that process.

 As a young white woman who's been given a platform to speak about a piece of art that has such a strong message, I have the privilege and I have the responsibility to amplify Kate's voice and her message through my writing. If you, the reader, take anything from my writing I would love for you to speak up if and when you see minorities underrepresented. 

“Do you believe art can change the world?”  I asked Kate.

Kate responded with a quick yes.

“Art can make you feel, if it makes you feel it can affect the way you respond to your environment, and the way you see things. It can make an influence on the world as a whole.”

I think I agree but I’m not so sure. I've met people who seem so set in their ways. I think people are exposed to art all the time, but never take the time to reflect. Visual art especially. Do we ask ourselves what we're seeing, what the art is saying? Do we wonder what the artist was thinking about? Do we ponder how this moment, this image might have changed us?

One thing I know for sure is that engaging with art can change people. Working with Kate has definitely changed me. If art can change people, can it change the world? 

Come see the murals, THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL!