The Light of Cooperation  Community mural installed at the Lewis Hospital for Companion Animals ... THE JOURNEY We often  move in siloed spaces, and if you're like me, you'll notice this everywhere you go. This fact stands out to  me in spaces where people are intensely focused in a specific area of interest, whether it be their career, research, or specialized tasks that require a lot of focus and concentration. The things that set us apart from each other can make us strong in those areas, but when it comes time for interacting with one another sometimes it makes it difficult. When I was first contacted about this project by the college's Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, what initially sparked my interest was our very first conversation. It struck a chord because there was a genuine desire for an art project that could pull people together, honor the native land of the area, and celebrate the college's strengths and aspirations. Like many institutions, th...

By Tia Richardson This article was first published by Visionary Viewpoints, a New Age newsletter dedicated to igniting ideas to change the world. I am deeply inspired by the veterinary community and the people who are part of it. Over the last couple of years I’ve had the chance to work with several of their communities and institutions as an artist. That journey has opened my eyes in a new way to the work they do and what they’re about. As we embark on our journey into the Aquarian Age, I wanted to share a little of what I discovered in that light.  Before my journey, the image that came to mind when I first thought of the word ‘veterinarian’ was a person with a stethoscope checking out a dog or cat patient in a clinic. I knew they loved animals, sure, but not much else about their interests or values as professionals. If you’d have told me then how much I would come to appreciate them now, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. But did you know they are also scientists, educato...

FORWARD INTO THE HEART OF NURSING 'Forward Into the Heart of Nursing' Signe Skott Cooper Hall, 701 Highland Ave. Madison, WI The UW-Madison School of Nursing is a remarkable beacon of light for intellect and heart, science and caring. 'Forward Into the Heart of Nursing' was created in collaboration with over 150 faculty, staff and students as part of celebrating their 100-year anniversary. The dean of the nursing school, Linda Scott, reached out to me to commemorate their centennial history and a vision of where they are going.  Trying to capture such a long legacy presented a challenge and a unique opportunity. I felt that there was much info to gather about what makes the school legacy unique or special to its community; while searching for what lies at the heart of it. At its heart or its spirit, it stays the same despite having gone throug...

 Mural: "Growing Together/Crecemos Unidos" La Escuela Fratney Elementary School, 3255 N. Fratney St. Milwaukee, WI Photo Credit: Amanda Seppanen   This mural was created in collaboration with over 300 students, parents, faculty and staff of Fratney Bilingual Elementary School. The participation and enthusiasm of teachers and kids alike, grades pre-K through 5th, made a lasting impact that can be seen in the expressive, vibrant imagery depicting the school community's values. Among them include children's rights, environmental stewardship, and symbols inspired by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of the Child. For example - a right to an education; inclusivity, and stewardship for the environment. Fratney was one of if not the first bilingual education (English/Spanish) schools in Wisconsin. It is a diverse and multicultural community, whose parents and families came out to support the celebration of the mural completion on May 31st, 2024. It was ...