Artist, Ruby Chacón, shares her thoughts on the recently finished mural she created with faculty from the School of Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University.
“The greatest work of art is love”.... This quote hit me so profoundly and on many levels. What I couldn’t voice before creating this mural is that to work with community it takes vulnerability, pain, loss, and also so much reward over time. But first you have to do the work of creating the art of loving yourself.
In the attempt to tap into what it means to represent leadership, the symbols and images intuitively spoke to me from the workshops with Gonzaga faculty and from my own personal experience. However, none of it worked until the universe guided me to the work of a Charlene Teters. She is a Spokane Native, who has been doing arts and activism for a long time. She spoke out in the very beginnings of “We are not Mascots” movement.
Slowly, change happens but not without the love and dedication it takes to speak out when no one else is. This mural could not exist without the strength and love of those who find themselves in leadership without asking for it, but rather because it chooses you. This artwork marks the dedication, patience, love and respect it takes to work in partnership with community even through times when you are not sure and hesitant. This painting gives reverence to all the people who have the courage to act one step at a time when no one else is and the tenacity to turn one voice, one whisper, into a collective voice of power and presence.
This mural is the culmination of a participatory arts based process that involved the staff and faculty of the School of Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University working with Ruby Chacón and supported by Bridging Borders partners Teresa Molina, Rosey Hunter, and Kimberly Schmit. An unveiling will be planned for later this year!
Wao!!, what a powerful, inspirational and self motivating message. I completely concur with you Mr. Ruby, for this great message because for sure to act as a human bridge to connect the community members to work together in order to achieve a required common goal one aught to be creative, selfless and tolerant besides his or her personal self-care as our savior Jesus Christ taught us that "He who wants to follow me should deny himself, pick his cross and follow me", Mathew 16:24.
though difficult it appears to deny your own self but that is what it takes be a servant in the community.
Thanks to all the bridge borders and a special thanks goes particularly to Dr. Rose…
So inspiring and encouraging. I love the creativity this help one to realize one's purpose on this earth. Thanks I am Gordons