I have been really fortunate to have had this opportunity to display my art on the window of a wonderful eating place in Chapel Hill – Que Chula – housed on the popular Franklin Street, thanks to Downtown Windows – an exciting art initiative, by the Community Arts & Culture, a division of the Town of Chapel Hill, whose mission is to inspire creativity and celebrate community for a better Chapel Hill.
I was thrilled when Steve Wright, the Public Art Coordinator, reached out to me back in April to see if I was interested in displaying my art. I was interested, of course – more so, because the reason for this initiative – aimed to revitalize our community with public art that expresses positivity, diversity, inclusivity, and community as Chapel Hill was beginning its recovery from the Coronavirus crisis, resonated with me.
The project got delayed though, since the infection numbers kept rising and more precautions were needed to keep the numbers down. When Steve contacted me again in June, I was more than happy to see the project get traction.
The art that I had submitted and got accepted merged the East and the West plus fit in nicely with the need for the design to be bright, uplifting, and positive. The art depicts the Goddess Durga, in bright warm colors of red, orange and yellow. Devi Durga is considered as the feminine epitome of strength. She is considered as a divine potency responsible for keeping this material world in order and decorum.
The words “Still I Rise” seemed apt for this artwork – Maya Angelou’s words still seem so relevant. The fact that she has such close ties to North Carolina was an added connection. “Still I Rise” is primarily about self-respect and confidence. In the poem, Angelou reveals how she will overcome anything through her self-esteem and shows how nothing can get her down. She will rise to any occasion and nothing, not even her skin color, will hold her back.
Working with Erin Jobe, the Special Events Coordinator, was a real pleasure. Once I provided the art scaled to the size of the window of the eating establishment chosen for my artwork, everything – getting the art printed to installing it, was handled seamlessly by Erin. I was pleasantly surprised to see my art on this news coverage on television as well!
Seeing my art in person on that scale and on Franklin Street seemed like a dream come true! I can’t thank Steve and Erin enough for the wonderful opportunity – it was a pleasure working with them. Plus the food and ambiance at the outdoor food area at Que Chula was the cherry on top!
Do check out my art as well as some fantastic work done by fellow artists whose work is also on display on the windows of different businesses and visit (safely) the locations around town for yourself!
It’s fabulous Sampada, just love the colors and the way it exudes strength
thank you, Jaya!