Innercity Arts was invited to paint a mural at 206 Main St. First, they needed to come up with a concept. Mique Michelle, a local artist, helped guide a group session so the young artists could share their ideas. There were many important issues they wanted to highlight – including mental health, youth homelessness, equality, acceptance and unity. One youth mentioned civil rights activist Marsha P. Johnson, as someone who embodied many of these issues. She herself was homeless, worked in the sex trade, and dedicated her life to helping others.
After coming up with a design, more than 25 young people from Innercity Arts had 3 days to paint a mural. The mural included a cardinal (which are common in the area), bright flowers (which were Marsha P. Johnson’s signature hair style), a yellow star (representing STAR house, a homeless shelter for LGBTQ youth that Marsha started) and a quote from Marsha P. Johnson.
“How many years does it take for people to see that we’re all brothers and sisters and human beings in the human race?”
Watch the video below to see how it all came together!
Go to 206 Main St. to see it in person!
Special thanks to Crime Prevention Ottawa for funding this project!