It takes a special group of people to finish a powerful full-blown makeover in only three days.

That group is composed of the dream team (what we jokingly called ourselves) but each individual truly helped bring this project to life. Even more so, helped change so many lives in the process. This blog post shares insights into this weekend, the special visitors we had, and why this project was so meaningful to me.

For this project, we got to help do a makeover for the Compass Community Center, an LGBTQ+ organization in West Palm Beach, Florida. Brittany Jeltema (@brittanyjeltema) was the director for this makeover who put together this incredible team. The room we redid was the youth center, where the children get to play, get therapy, and have teachers to help educate.

There were three artists for this project, where we stayed at the lovely Airbnb named “Casa del Tiburon” which Danielle translated to “House of Sharks.” Kenz, Brittany’s best friend and huge helper, also stayed with us. One evening we had pizza and margs at the end of our long day, and another we did a little night swim in the pool! Overall, we were definitely drained from standing for so long, but we knew the memories, chats, and company would make it worthwhile.

From Left to Right: @shelbyswygert, @brittanyjeltema, @artwithmrs.e, @dml.paintings

Special Guests!

Getting to see Brittany & Reese

As for special guests, we got a surprise visit from sweet little Sanford and Carson! These are Brittany’s and MJ’s kiddos and they definitely gave us all a pick-me-up when we all hit that sluggish/dreaded 3pm/naptime haha. In addition, the amazing Brittany (@fivefootoneteacher) so kindly brought us lunch one day. She’s been a dear friend for a while now and I always get so excited to see her. She even got to paint a rainbow heart on my mural! That was one of my favorite parts—watching everyone on the team be able to contribute a heart to the butterfly mural. It was even comical hearing the screams of, “I’M GOING TO MESS IT UP!” but reassuring everyone that the imperfections make it beautiful and no heart shape was alike. They were all different in their own ways.

As for why this project was so meaningful to me…I’ve never publicly shared with you about my Uncle Billy. He was charismatic, witty, warm-hearted, and gay. His coming out story was not easy nor healthy, as he had to undergo many challenges of being unaccepted in the 70’s and 80’s. Gratefully, he had my Maw Maw through it all, and his brothers, to encourage him to be himself and always loving him unconditionally. He was happy with who he was, and even found the love of his life, John, later on in his life.

My Uncle Billy passed away in 1988 from AIDS. If he were alive today, he would be 61. At the start of the weekend, when I was driving down to begin painting this mural, I talked with my Maw Maw about how special it was for children to have a safe space and how we wish Billy could have had a space like this where he could be himself, feel accepted, and strip his guilt and shame. “He would have been so proud of you, Shelby Girl,” my Maw shared.

But really, I’m proud to call my Uncle Billy family. Because although I never met him, his stories and pictures live on, and I’m proud to know him through my family’s stories and know he found peace and happiness even though he had difficulty coming out.

I know my Uncle Billy is looking down from heaven with a smile on his face, seeing my art and the lives it will help. This one was not only for those children but also him.

Forever grateful for Brittany and MJ, for being so generous and giving to create this space. For my fellow artists, Danielle and Kaitlyn for the help and support. Kenz for being the literal “do-it-all” person haha. And Paige and Roxanne for the hard work and strength. This project was the perfect last mural before my time abroad.

I hope you enjoyed reading into this special project. Regardless of your religion, sexuality, or ethnicity: I hope you know you are loved, accepted, and valued. Sending hugs to you today if you need them.

Live Colorfully

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