Transforming Perspectives: A Collaborative Community Mural Project in RVA
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Colleen's recent work includes artwork that aims to raise awareness of important issues, like aging and the environment, by engaging the community.
The Transforming Perspectives collaborative mural project aims to highlight the positive and transformative aspects of aging while increasing the awareness of senior issues and the resources available to help.
Colleen partnered with Senior Connections and Genworth to create this mural based on input from over 170 older adults. The mural was then painted by 515 people, ages 2 to 102 at 11 community parties! It was installed on October 22, 2017.
The Transforming Perspectives collaborative mural project aims to highlight the positive and transformative aspects of aging while increasing the awareness of senior issues and the resources available to help.
Colleen partnered with Senior Connections and Genworth to create this mural based on input from over 170 older adults. The mural was then painted by 515 people, ages 2 to 102 at 11 community parties! It was installed on October 22, 2017.
Over 130 older adults in the community took part in an online survey that asked about the positive changes that they experienced with aging. Colleen also conducted over 40 in person interviews to dig a little deeper. Respondents shared stories of freedom and autonomy of time. They were dynamic in their positivity and activity. Click here for more information
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This project was designed to involve the community from start to finish. Using a special cloth process, Colleen was able to take the panels out to be painted at 11 Community Paint Parties around Richmond. The goal was to bring people of all ages together to create this mural with meaning. Over 515 participants, ages 2 to 102 were able to participate! Click here for more.
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Colleen compiled the research she had gathered and started to see 8 main themes emerge. It seemed that greeting life and aging with Acceptance, a Positive Attitude, Gratitude, Physical Activity, Mental Curiosity, Spirituality, Connection, and Kindness helped these older adults be happier and enjoy their lives. Her concept design reflected the sense of freedom and transformation that many respondents had expressed - hence the butterfly imagery. The zen-like responses and unifying experience of life and aging inspired the use of the mandala. Click here for more information
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After 11 paint parties, over 40 completed panels were brought together for the first time for the final installation. The entire mural is over 1000 square feet. It took three days to install. On November 3, a celebration was held to "unveil" the mural to the community. Click here for more information.
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