“This was part of a multi-part initiative — a mural and fundraising event — that I wanted to do for the center for some time. As a lifelong resident of Hazleton, and someone who supports the HIP’s mission and what they are doing for the young children of this area— I was elated that the directors were receptive when I proposed this idea a few years ago; it was truly an honor to be a part of this initiative.

The first component was the mural — this is the HIP’s first mural and was dedicated as such at their annual “Thanksmas” event in December 2018. After several pictorial options that I proposed for an interior wall in the cafeteria, the location changed — they decided to place the mural at the elevator entrance of the bottom floor as a ‘welcome’ for visitors. As a result, the entire concept and proportion needed to be revamped — and I came up with a type-focus idea, choosing to interpret a Maya Angelou quote, which perfectly embodies the center’s mission. This idea also allowed more students to easily assist with the installation because of the simplicity of color and graphic form of the type design.

The installation began summer 2018; the sixth and seventh grade after school students and their instructor assisted as well — they were a joy to instruct! They were also responsible for designing their own butterfly/flower icon — since this was the first class that went through their entire after school program, the center wanted to commemorate this milestone in the mural as well.

The second component was a poster fundraiser; in order for that to occur, we needed to secure the quote’s licensing rights — I contacted the Maya Angelou Foundation to help them coordinate a licensing agreement. I then digitized the design and created 50 giclees and 200 regular prints. The sale was launched at their winter fundraiser in 2018 — Joe Maddon and Joe Namath signed the first print, which was auctioned off that evening for $1200.

The mural was made possible thanks to a Pennsylvania Arts Council grant the center received. There are also many other gorgeous murals other local artists have created for the center as well; most located on the bottom floor of the building to-date.” - Christina Galbiati, mural artist

Prints of this mural, including several signed by Joe Maddon, are available to purchase here.