KUTZTOWN FIRE & RESCUE MURAL, 2022

"Proudly Serving” is a call to action—an homage to past and present volunteers who have courageously answered the call to serve. This mural was brought to life through the surge of public art in our community, thanks to the Kutztown Community Partnership. Inspired by the Los Angeles Fire Department Station 1 Mural—created by the Academy of Art University in Los Angeles—I was drawn to its dynamic composition and larger-than-life figures. I continued that spirit within our design, incorporating those figures, the whimsical skyline, and unique features of Kutztown, including the historic water tower and bell tower. Murals have always been a passion, shaped by childhood visits to mural-filled neighborhoods in Philadelphia and New York. Those experiences left a lasting impression, sparking my desire to one day create a mural of my own. Through geometric abstraction, I drew from the bold forms of Barnett Newman, Thomas Hart Benton's dynamic movement, and Charles Demuth's precision. The color scheme pays tribute to Demuth’s I Saw the Figure 5 in Gold—inspired by William Carlos Williams’ poem The Great Figure—which captures the fleeting power of a fire truck racing through the city. The checkerboard background blends the vibrant chevrons of fire apparatus with the intricate patterns of Pennsylvania folk art quilts. Over four weeks, nearly fifty volunteers—including friends, family, students, alumni, first responders, and community members completed this mural. I hope this work brings pride and joy to Kutztown, standing as a visual testament to our community’s spirit and resilience.