Between 2012-2018 I worked as a Studio Manager and mural artist with Ben’s Bells Project, a 501(c)(3) community arts organization located in Tucson, Arizona, whose mission is to foster a culture of kindness in the community.

The murals pictured below are a small sample of the over 50 public mosaic murals I installed in Southern Arizona and Western Connecticut — primarily in K-12 public schools. Mural design by Colleen Conlin unless otherwise noted; project direction and creation by myself with the help of hundreds of volunteers, including K-12 students, parent volunteers, school faculty, and other youth and adult community volunteers.

In an increasingly technological society, participatory art practice cultivates strong community connections by advocating face-to-face interaction while working toward a common goal, recognizing the act of collaboration as crucial to building a more equitable world.

I am strongly motivated by this type of work, and the opportunities it presents for diverse individuals to work together, building authentic relationships while creating lasting works that are symbolic of the power of joint action.