Metro Deaf School Mural, St. Paul, Minnesota

5 ft × 12 ft
Latex paint
2022

This 5 ft × 12 ft mural was created collaboratively by the students of Metro Deaf School and myself. It celebrates Deaf identity while honoring the diversity and inclusion that strengthen the Deaf community.

The mural is divided into six interconnected themes: Deaf Pride, LGBTQ+, Community, Unity, BIPOC, and DeafBlind.

The Deaf Pride section represents the foundation of a strong Deaf identity. The LGBTQ+ section features the Progress Pride Flag. Because the mural was painted using only primary colors, the flag’s colors are interpreted through a primary-color palette: brown appears as gray, green as light blue, orange as a reddish yellow, and purple as red.

The Community and Unity sections emphasize mutual respect, belonging, and the strength that comes from standing together.

The BIPOC section is represented through the handshape spelling B-I-P-O-C:

• The B hand symbolizes Black culture using the Pan-African colors, with light blue representing green within the limited primary-color palette.
• The I hand represents Indigenous peoples and includes the colors of the Medicine Wheel: white for North, yellow for East, red for South, and black for West.
• The P stands for People, with colorful lines symbolizing the diversity of people.
• The O and C complete the phrase of Colour.

The DeafBlind section features Braille spelling D-E-A-F-B-L-I-N-D, recognizing and honoring DeafBlind community members.

The purpose of this mural is to encourage respect for one another, celebrate our diverse identities, and foster a sense of belonging. It reflects the idea that, while our experiences and backgrounds may differ, we are united as one community through a strong Deaf identity.

The mural is permanently installed inside the Metro Deaf School building.