Q: What is the Mural School?

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The Mural School takes place this month, beginning on June 13 and ending on the 26th. We had almost 20 applicants and boiled it down to 8 artists who will be a part of the course as “students.” I will be leading the course in a classroom style atmosphere, and at the end we will all be collaborating on a 50’ long mural at the Common Well for a lot of hands on learning and experience.

Each artist will have roughly 8’x10’ to design and paint their own mini-mural that will all fit together in a common theme, tied together and incorporated into one massive mural. We will also have 3 guest speakers sharing their stories, techniques and experiences.

Q: What inspired you to start?

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I started this project because I kept hearing from artists that they were inspired by public art and murals, but they had absolutely no idea how to do it or how to get involved. Many times I would hear that they thought their art wasn't worthy of large public spaces. Big projects like murals can seem so daunting that people never even get started for fear of doing it wrong or not being good enough.

But in my mind there is space for everyone's unique voice, talent and experience. Murals and public art enrich our lives and bring color and vibrancy to our communities, and can transform our everyday experience for the better. If I can do anything to help encourage and support artists to grow and expand their level of confidence, I will.

Q: Why is this important right now?

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Creating a space where artists can feel comfortable asking questions, collaborating with each other or even just sharing tips and tricks is vital. So often creative communities can feel like a walled garden to those who are on the outside looking in, leading to a feeling of inadequacy or being left out. but my experience has been the opposite.

The art community here in Boise and Garden City was so welcoming and supportive to me that I want to nurture that aspect in any way I can for as long as I can. So many of us suffer from depression and anxiety these days and it can be really debilitating socially. But I am a true believer that art can save lives both for the artist and the viewer. Art can be the instrument by which we communicate our emotions or experiences with others, and that is incredibly therapeutic.

Q: How has this project changed you?

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I am always surprised by how supportive the people here in Boise and Garden City are of artists and public art in general. We have so many incredible organizations such as The Alexa Rose Foundation, The Garden City Placemaking Fund, Surel's Place and many more that not only promote and support artists, but offer grants and programs to get them paid and give them opportunities to grow.

The Treasure Valley is such a uniquely special place in that regard. I was so shocked and touched by the amount of encouragement and love I got when I was getting started that I now want to do everything I can to encourage and support others in their journey.

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