- Description
- Creative Waco ARTprenticeship program, 2019 This artwork on the wall of Brotherwell Brewing at 400 E. Bridge St. was developed through Creative Waco’s ARTPrenticeship program. Aspiring young creatives from Waco ISD high schools earned real world concept-to-completion mentored work experience during the 8-week program. Lead Designer was New Orleans Artist, Richard C. Thomas, famous for pioneering “visual jazz”. Under his guidance, and with input from local artist mentors, the apprentices created a work of art that reflects the spirit and beauty of our community. At first glance, this artwork looks abstract. Like listening to jazz on your front porch, it seems like a jumble of color and rhythm. Then, just like jazz, your attention is rewarded, and the patterns and themes weave their magic. Look closely, and you will see images and symbols. Families, seeds, animals, birds, plants, earth, air, water and fire; the elements of legend, history, and life. Some symbols come together to create larger patterns and pictures: An African mask (symbol of origin), a whale (symbol that sometimes we find ourselves where we did not choose to be), and a phoenix (symbol of rising from what seems hopeless). The interweaving symbols depict stories the designer and apprentice artists heard from community members as they listened and learned about Bridge Street. Every time you look, you will see a different story emerging. This is “The Spirit of We”. “The Spirit of We” was created by artist mentors Richard C. Thomas (lead designer and celebrity artist), Shawna Tomes, Cade Kegerreis, and Kristen Thompson. The apprentices were Naya Banda, Treshion Bryant, Brenden Kidd, Fate King, Lillian Olvera and IsaBella Thomas.
