UH Art Walk Showcases Local Artists and Community Connection
The powerful inner voices and playful natures of artists in the University Heights community were on display during the community Walk of Art on September 6, hosted by the UHCA. This walk was intended to show off the efforts of local artists who have painted more than 50 utility boxes in the neighborhood with the support of the UHCA Beautification Team. The walk, which was organized by Stephanie Gomez, Angela Jackson-Llamas, and Danny Llamas, drew a substantial turnout and connected many in the community.
Many captivating art pieces were viewed on the walk, done by a diverse group of local artists. Here are some of the highlights artists who joined on the walk shared about their art and how they try to use it to uplift the community. To view more, visit www.uhsd.org/boxmap (numbers on the map are noted below): Artist Jane Muschenetz (14) shared her inspiring story behind her beautiful creation of birds, flowers, and sacred UH ostriches. “I’m mostly a poet and a writer. I thought it would be really cool if there was also an experience that happened here.” She was referring to the inspiring poem on her art that reads “Step right up and make a wish with the UH Lucky Ostrich! No wish is too big or small—Lucky Ostrich helps them all!”
Kyle Garrity (21) created a bright and cheerful display of objects like coffee cups and ice cream cones on her box, interspersed with sayings like “stay sweet” and “treat yourself.” “There’s a bunch of cafes in the area, so taking inspiration from what’s around me. It’s super fun and playful with the colors,” Garrity said. “It’s a reminder to be kind to yourself and others, and that you’re worthy.”
The work of Ashley Ruiz King (35) reminds us to take time to just stop and laugh. “The meaning is that every time I go through a hard time, usually I resort to meeting with my friends and we laugh and I am okay,” King said. “We grow from the laughter.”
Anita Nawab (49) was happy to stand proudly and smile cheerfully next to her creation of her spunky under the sea creatures. It reminds us to float like a jellyfish: untamed, unbothered, and unstoppable.
Artist Yari (27) wasn’t present at the walk, but her fierce, powerful image of a human heart is a favorite of the community. She shared, “I hope people understand the multiple meanings, there is a message for the individual and there is a message that can be seen through the perspective of the collective. Yes, find the courage in your heart to (metaphorically) migrate without borders & dream without limits- but also, acknowledge the courage it takes immigrants to do those things in real life.”