Project: The Painting of the Mural at Catholic Charities Branch III Day Shelter

Five years ago, I worked as the Kitchen Coordinator for this day shelter, cooking and serving lunch and breakfast to 250 needy clients on a daily basis. Providing meals, although crucial for survival, was not where my passions and talents lie so this year, I returned to that dining room to see if art could also meet basic needs. Through dialogue and collaboration, the contributors of the Branch III mural created a visual manifestation of unity, equality and support. We wanted to paint a spectacle of hope that will encourage people to enter in peace and witness the beauty of partnership. While we painted the mural, we talked. The more we talked, the more we were able to understand each other’s differences. We became friends and collaborators. The mural was an opportunity to talk through art, which created new relationships and avenues for empathy and understanding.

If you would like to see the mural, please visit the shelter at 740 E. 17th St. in Minneapolis.

Project Press:
"Community Expressions" in the Minneapolis Downtown Journal

"Artists and Branch III Guests Collaborate on Mural" on the Catholic Charities Website