What makes an amazing mural project even more amazing? A beautifully crafted mini-documentary about the project.
The Story: Last October, I received a state arts grant to design and paint a mural for The Women’s Center of Greater Danbury. The goal of the project was to use large-scale public art to raise awareness for the Women’s Center and the ways in which they actively serve the Greater Danbury community.
I was incredibly honored to be trusted with this project. I designed the mural to be painted on four full-size plywood sheets, so that The Women’s Center could install the finished product in a variety of public locations throughout its life. The panels were so large that they would not fit in my regular studio. Instead, I worked in a donated empty storefront on Main Street in Danbury, just a few doors down from the video production studios of RmediA.
I asked Renato Ghio, RmediA’s creative force, if he would be interested in getting some footage of the mural in-progress, since he was so conveniently located to my temporary workspace. I envisioned a basic 30-second “commercial” for the project that the Women’s Center could use in their promotion efforts. But Renato’s vision was greater–he saw the potential for so much more.
Renato filmed me at work several times throughout the month-long painting process. He also filmed the reception for the mural, hosted by Danbury Hospital, the first installation site of the completed artwork. He gathered interviews and testimonials. From all of this, he crafted a beautiful, six-minute mini documentary that perfectly captures the story and the passion of this unique public art project.
I am well acquainted with gap between creative vision and final result. When a client commissions a mural from me, I am the one with the artistic vision, describing it as best I can and assuring them that the finished artwork will not only meet, but exceed their expectations. This time, I was on the other side of that equation. I was in the client’s seat, trusting the expertise of a creative professional whose medium I do not understand and cannot comprehend. (Video production is a mystery to me!) This time, mine was the happy thrill of seeing the finished product far exceed my meager expectations.
And so, I am both humbled and proud to share the HOPE Mural Project documentary with you. It is not another 30-second disposable video snack for you to munch on as you scroll through your feed. It is a beautiful, savory story that will leave you satisfied and inspired.
The HOPE Mural Project was made possible through the collaboration and support of the following:
