Kelly Meredith

A third grade boy once asked me while I was working on a mural in his school “What is the difference between graffiti and a mural?”. I thought it was a beautifully profound question though I’m not sure, on the fly, I had an equally beautiful and profound answer. My impromptu response went something like this. ( Keep in mind I am interpreting the term ‘graffiti’ to mean the type of graffiti art found in urban areas- not swear words on a wall.) “They are both wonderful works of art. They both encourage people to think. They both express strong messages visually. They both use all the tools of Art and all the elements of good design to speak loudly to large groups of people. The difference is that graffiti is generated, in general, by an individual. A mural, in general, is initiated, funded and supported by a large group of people and in general represents a large group’s core values.” OK, I probably didn’t say ‘initiated’, but you get the point.

For ten years I have had the privilege of going into communities and helping them express their core values. The thrill and challenge of doing this is that for a short period of time, I abandon my own world to become immersed in someone else’s. This has made me a richer person, but also it has confirmed my deep faith in the inherent goodness of humanity. You could throw a dart on a US map, go to that town, and discover quickly that its residents are kind, generous, open and gregarious. This is the lesson I keep learning over and over.

I am amazed by the ubiquity of the mural program- as- economic- engine idea. It is everywhere. In scores of places across the US, people- ordinary civic minded people- band together and figure out how to fund large scale public art endeavors. These people are troopers; spunky intrepid individuals who are willing to put their faith in the power of  Art  (and therefore artists, which frankly is crazy- we’re not that reliable as a group).These are the true heroes in the mural movement in our country. I hope that I have done a good job being true to each community’s vision and request of me. I am honored to serve.

Murals: "Friends" and "More Friends"

Kelly Meredith
715-769-3722 Phone
Contact: fanfish@plbb.us