South Orange Middle School Library

2003

This was my first mural. When I finished my MFA at the School of Visual Arts, my friend Paul’s mom, who was the librarian at SOMS, asked me if I would like to come and paint a mural at her library. I had no idea how to do a mural, work on scaffolding . . . and I had only learned to paint in 2001 . . . but I said yes, because really, what else was I going to do?

I loved the work, I loved the collaboration, I loved the engagement with the school community. I will forever be grateful to Ms. Jane Rauen for giving me this chance and for planting this seed.