A Blank Slate
Where do we begin? This is the last shot of the wall before we painted. It was so exciting to walk into the room and see everything set up just waiting for us to get started. It had felt like this was never going to happen. Finally, the floors were protected with paper, and the table was FILLED with all colors of paint. There were more paintbrushes then we knew what to do with. It was all a little overwhelming. We had worked so hard preparing for this moment and at that point the wall seemed HUGE.
Settling Our Nerves
Now is the opportunity for our imaginations, thoughts and true feelings to really grow. Sensing our apprehension, Christine helps us feel comfortable with the wall and reminds us that the sketches are just a beginning. Our only limit is ourselves. We can paint with whatever combination of colors, and put new ideas in and take other sketches out as we go along.
Every Woman Has a Role
Vera had said that she did not want to paint. She was just going to watch. Christine, in a moment of creativity, persuaded Vera to simply hold up her hand in front of the light so that it cast a shadow on the wall. Christine then used Vera's hand as a model to sketch the centerpiece of the mural, the hand that holds the key to a home. Vera was hooked; she stayed the rest of the day! She left realizing that each person is an important part of this project.
Building Community
In our first planning meetings we had decided that we needed to develop better relationships and a feeling of community between neighbors. The mural is one step toward that goal. The idea is that by working together, we will build the relationships that will allow us to pursue common goals both within the building and in the broader community. Before we got started painting, we reminded ourselves of this goal.
Energy in a Tight Space 
There was SO MUCH ENERGY in this little space. We all learned lessons in courtesy and respect that day. Each artist had to be considerate of the others and share space on the wall together; all important themes in building community.
The Park Bench- Familiar Territory 
The bench symbolizes the despair and lonliness many women who experience homelessness feel. The park bench is the beginning of our mural journey. There is a woman, sketched in pencil, sitting on the bench. As Josey and Angie were painting, Josey made the comment that "that woman sitting on the bench reminds me of myself when I was homeless."
My Symbol; Our Mural 
Rosa begins the masterpiece of her sun. Debra puts her own touch on the inspirational piece; the hand that will hold the KEY! Debra is known throughout the building for her beautiful artwork on nails, and the look of the hand's nailpolish was very important to her.
Growing in Strength
The globe, which will eventually depict a woman with the world on her shoulders, is starting to take shape. The hope inspired by the sun and hand are growing in strength. It was remarkable the way each woman was drawn toward the symbol that held the most meaning for them.
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