WHITTIER WELLNESS COMMUNITY MURAL '22

Name: Robert A.T. Kondo
Address: US

In the spring semester of 2022, several Whittier Scholars majors and myself designed and led a community based mural. Funded by Blue Shield Promises grant program and in collaboration with the Los Angeles Department of Public Health, this mural reflected the question "what does a healthy community look like to you?"

INCEPTION

The Whittier College Center for Engagement with Communities surveyed over 100 local residents around SPA 7
Anonymous results showed varying ages from elementary school children to adults over the age of 65
Two Whittier College students interpreted survey results and presented ideas to LADPH Wellness Community Staff
Four draft reviews later, including a seal of approval from LADPH officials, drawing began

VOLUNTEER DRIVEN

Over 50 community volunteers drew and painted the mural
The youngest volunteer was a toddler and the oldest volunteer a grandfather
Volunteers came after hours and the weekends to paint as to not disrupt the flow of typical opperating hours of the clinic

WELLNESS FOR ALL

The final image depicts people of various ages, ethnic backgrounds, and gender identities
Flowers were used to represent people, conveying how the community grows by taking care of each other
A ribbon cutting was held to showcase the final mural to the general public
LADPH staff and Whittier College CEC staff and students were recognized by the City of Whittier and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

Click Here For Behind The Scenes Video Of The Mural Making Process

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