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, brought to life through the surge of public art in our community and the Kutztown Community Partnership, reflects my dual role as a High School Art Teacher and an active volunteer firefighter since 2010. Inspired by the Los Angeles Fire Department Station 1 Mural—created by the Academy of Art University in Los Angeles—I was genuinely inspired by its dynamic composition and larger-than-life figures. I continued that spirit within our design, incorporating similar figures, the whimsical skyline, and unique features of Kutztown, including the historic water tower and bell tower. Murals have always been a passion of mine, 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. This piece brings together the stories and influences that continue to inspire me. 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.