In July, my friend and colleague Qian (qiancreates.com) and I painted a mural for an organization that serves adults with intellectual disabilities here in the greater Pittsburgh area. Qian was captain, and I was first mate. Qian created the design, and we both helped the 18-25 year olds execute a vision of unity, diversity, and acceptance.
Qian had cut several pieces out of wood that needed to be painted, and the young adults each added color to the pieces in a pattern or design of their choice. They and I circulated among the participants, bringing paint and offering advice as we went. We also talked about their stuffed toy collections and how they made art in their spare time, too.
Most of the wall and pieces of the mural were painted in but an hour, and as the heat was bearing down on us, the young adults went inside. Qian and I spent the next hour touching up some things on the mural and talking philosophy until it was time for me to leave. The whole day was an absolute blast, and further cemented how mural painting can bring a community of people together and celebrate the joy of making something beautiful.
