In 2021, with the generous support of community member Upstart, SketchPad had the pleasure of collaborating with Reboot (another member!) in the creation of a mural centered around our community's Jewish values. Reboot-affiliated artist, Olivia Guterson, joined the project and with her brought a vision of how to reflect SketchPad's culture artistically.
We Are Here Now, Olivia Guterson, oil and acrylic on drywall
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"I think a lot about the things I can’t help but see and hear in a world that seemingly is increasing how it distracts and interrupts us. When it comes to places I spend my time outside of my home, I am often curious about how these spaces are curated and who they’re for? The art on the walls of my local bakery; the signs and flyers up and down my street; and even the murals and graffiti on the buildings I pass to get to my studio. I wonder what they say about my community and who we are and what we care about even in the future? In a time such as this, where a myriad of things grab for our attention and make us feel disconnected; I wonder what looking and seeing art meant to celebrate life, cultivate curiosity, and reflect back the buzzing energy of the space and community it is in might feel like. I know for me, it would make me pause, probably smile, and maybe look around and see if someone did this just for me. I did create this just for you. This mural was organically painted while being in this space after talking with and being in the community. This mural, We Are Here Now, is a visual offering of joy. Incorporating vibrant colors and playful patterning, this work is for the SketchPad community to explore, play, and just enjoy a moment of being here now. Elements of hope, expansion, whimsy, abundance, and joy are embedded in this mural because this is what I felt being at SketchPad and interacting with my Jewish community here."
- Olivia Guterson, 2022 Click here to learn more about Olivia's work |
"This mural
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