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TOGETHER, CREATING A VIBRANT SENSE OF COMMUNITY
THROUGH LIVING ART 

COMMUNITY MURALS | FILM | BLOG: JOURNEYS WITH TIA

"My Canvas is the Collective Illusion We Have of Being Separate From One Another."
 
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Today’s Message for Inspiration


PAUSE

by Tia Richardson


The same life moving through you 

is the same life moving through me

Oh - you don’t agree? Ha!

Take a moment, pause, and look at that tree.

The same life flowing through it

connects all living things, even you and me.


So by the breath of my breath, and beat of my heart

let’s take a look at what connects us, to start

The living will beating in every human heart

For better or worse

Let not fear tear us apart


For though we are many, we are bound by the One

One life, one love, one earth

Born into One human family

Separated at birth

For reasons I care not to go into here

But know in your heart we each deeply care


For the being and presence that exists within all here

Life on earth, to be healthy, happy and whole

Cared for, accepted, valued; each and every Soul.


Suggested listening: "Shine Like a Star" and more inspirational music 

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NEW TENOR HIGH SCHOOL MURAL

'A World of Possibilities Springing Forth'



This mural was created as a collaboration with participation from over 600 students, staff and community partners. It was unveiled on Wednesday, October 13th at 10:00am. Click here to learn more

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BUILDING COMMUNITY WITH COMPASSION

Mural for Grand Avenue Club

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MUSICAL MURAL PORTFOLIO


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TEACHING MODEL

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Tia teaches young people how to paint a community mural from start to finish using her process of community input, painting techniques, and philosophy. She helps them develop their self-esteem, self-discovery, collaboration, and listening skills through circles, creative exercises and team-building games. Great for students with an interest in drawing and painting and community building. Read more

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CARING ALL AROUND ME
Storybook and companion Workbook
by Tia Richardson

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Order Storybook here

Order companion Workbook here

In the storybook, 30+ pages of vibrant watercolors will take you on a magical journey into a garden full of possibilities. Follow Mara, the main character, as a brighter world is opened up to her. In her life she had found difficulty in relating. A whole new world is opened up to her full of potential she can embrace.

In the accompanying workbook parents, teachers and therapists will find 60+ colorful pages of guided activities and coloring pages for helping young people learn about healthy relating. Adults and kids alike will enjoy doing the activities for stress relief, self-acceptance, making healthy choices, and discovering your inner potential to help make the world a better place. Open up a brighter world full of potential you can embrace!

Published by Orange Hat Publishing. Also available at Amazon.com, B&N.com and by order at your local bookstore

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'ROCKFORD TAKING FLIGHT' Trailer

Embark on a journey where one artist struggles to heal herself and a community through a collaborative art effort.  
 
Explore the films that will take you on a journey through Cosmic Butterfly Design's work. Available as educational resources and for in-person or virtual screenings with Q&A.
 
Directed by: Toni McLaughlin in association with Neil Bloom of Future Memory Media
Runtime: 25min


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"THE RESTORATION OF COMPASSIONATE LAW"

Milwaukee County Courthouse, Lower Level

The images for this mural were inspired from Milwaukee County employees with diverse backgrounds during a 2hr design workshop to create a vision of what a better courthouse community can be.

The mural is one of a series of murals created by different artists commissioned by the Office of the County Executive to brighten the courthouse and better reflect the community it serves. 

On September 3, 2020 a virtual press conference unveiled the murals to the public. 

Read: Urban Milwaukee: New murals at Courthouse unveiled


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SHERMAN PARK RISING

'Sherman Park Rising' is a documentary short about how after events of tragedy and unrest, many residents of the Sherman Park neighborhood of Milwaukee, WI. find a way to express their feelings through a mural project. Interviews with participants and elected officials allow us into their hearts and minds.

Directed and Produced by Andrew Gralton and Tia Richardson. (Runtime 24min)

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Wilson/WSTEM Elementary School Mural

Designed and painted in collaboration with over 300 students in Pre-K - 5th grade

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"THE ART OF TRANSFORMATION"

Featuring photos of the murals 'Bridging Milwaukee's Heart'; 'The Restoration of Compassionate Law' and 'Pursuing the Vision' ~ Read more: matc.edu

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UMOJA MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2020 COVER ART
'THE GIFT OF LOVE'


'The Gift of Love' reproduction is available for purchase on FineArtAmerica.com

There website states: "Umoja Magazine is the oldest African-American owned magazine in Wisconsin. For nearly 30 years, UMOJA Magazine has provided Dane County and the state, positive news about the Black community with beautifully illustrated covers, commissioned by local and national African-American artists." Learn more: www.UMOJAMAGAZINE.com

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NEW FOLKLORE: COMMUNITY ART & SOCIETY SHIFTS

CopyWrite Magazine 

"My heart is in impacting people and touching other people's hearts. A lot of the change we want to see we can legislate but we can't legislate an attitude. You can't just change somebody's attitude at the flip of a switch. That's the work of Community Art." 

~Tia Richardson


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'WISCONSIN LIFE' PBS: "Artist Paints her City in a Positive Light"

Segment nominated for a producer's 2017 Arts/Culture/Entertainment Midwest Emmy!


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Interview with Tia for Springboard for the Art's Creative Exchange: Artists with Impact

This blog series highlights people around the country who are using their art, creativity and connections to shape their communities. Read more

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An inside look on the process of community members sharing stories about growing up in one of America's most segregated cities: Milwaukee, WI. This project was co-facilitated with Jeanette Martín in partnership with STITCH Collective.

 

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Awards

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