YOU ARE LOVED Murals for Jamaica Plain

***UPDATE! I'm delighted to announce that between this fundraiser and offline donations we have 100% reached the goal! Any further donations made to this campaign will go towards funding future YOU ARE LOVED murals in needy locations.***

My name is Alex Cook. I'm a muralist living in Jamaica Plain, MA since 2003. You might know the mural I painted at the Jackson Square T Station.

Since 2014 I have created over 70 murals in 13 states with the YOU ARE LOVED Mural Project. (www.youarelovedmurals.com) I work with schools, businesses, shelters, prisons, and more to create murals saying the words YOU ARE LOVED. The project uses art and community participation to create public works of art that support and celebrate each individual. Between the pandemic, toxic politics, and just general negativity swirling around us, now is a great time to get back to the basics. We are a community. We value each other.

These murals have been used as a way to support school culture and express civic care. They have also been used as a way to respond to tragedies like suicide and gun violence. The best email I ever received was from a stranger who told me he had decided to end his life, but upon coming upon one of these murals, felt it was speaking directly to him and decided not to.

In a perfect storm of ideas coming together, I am now working to bring YOU ARE LOVED murals to JP. Initially I had been imagining one public mural, a message to my neighbors. However, as I shared the idea I received a compelling request from Stone House (an organization that provides resources to adult and child survivors of domestic abuse.)

I am now raising funds to create 2 YOU ARE LOVED murals - 1 on the wall of JPizle Kitchen at the corner of Robinwood and Centre Street, and another at Stone House at 1 Westminster St. just over the border in Roxbury. Each mural, including supplies and my time (design, administration, and painting) costs $5000. Add $500 for the cost of GoFundMe and the total is $10,500. I have already received $1000 pledges from Sazama Real Estate, Trisha Solio, and Stone House as well as a $500 pledge from Same Boat Consulting. That leaves me with $7,000 to raise in the community.

The JPizle mural will have a community painting day in which folks will be welcome to come and participate in filling in the design. It will be a wonderful opportunity to be part of something beautiful and loving that will last a long time. We don't know the specific ways that these murals will help people, but it's certain they will.

Please consider a making a donation today. Then, watch the progress. Come by and paint. Enjoy your part in this message of love for years to come. Thank you!

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Below are a few quotes from people who have loved these murals in other locations.

“I screwed up so many times and had let people down, and I was contemplating on making a seriously bad decision that would affect a whole lot of people. It would have been a selfish decision, and ultimately my final decision. And I didn't feel like I mattered anymore.

[When I saw the YOU ARE LOVED mural] I felt like it was a personal message to me. I almost started to cry in the middle of the parking lot, It greatly lifted my heart.

And for that, I wanted to say thank you. Thank you so much.”

Anonymous

“In a day and age when students are inundated with negative messages and stress levels are at an all-time high, sometimes, it only takes a little reminder both in word and action to remind a child that they are valued, appreciated, and seen. Our YOU ARE LOVED mural reminds our community why we come through those gates each and every day…you be the difference in a child’s life.”

Dr. Todd Schmidt

Principal – Harbor View Elementary

Newport Beach, CA

“Thank YOU! I received a call yesterday from the Clark High School Principal gushing about how much her school and community enjoys those murals. She said students have already been saying they have a positive impact on them walking through the halls and that everyone just “gets it.” She also spoke very highly of you and how you interacted with the students.”

Amy Miller

Director of Education

World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth

“Alex is a wonderful teacher and guide. In this work trust is imperative and rapport is essential. Alex delivered on both counts. The work itself is inspiring, Kids created and learned. What a great week! The result is stunning, uplifting and needed. As a facility that serves our state’s most vulnerable kids, we’ve been graced with a gift.”

Mike Riggan

Superintendent

Oak Creek Youth Correctional Facility and Young Women’s Transition Program

Albany, Oregon

“With so many conflicting messages bombarding our students every day, the “YOU ARE LOVED” mural has become a consistent positive message that greets students every time they walk through our quad. Students, parents, teachers, staff, and other members of the community have been touched by the message and are dedicated to making sure the YOU ARE LOVED message infiltrates every aspect of our school culture and community.”

Kristin DeMicco, PhD

Principal

Lincoln Elementary School

“The “You Are Loved” mural created by Alex Cook in downtown Burlington, Vermont as part of a Human Trafficking awareness campaign, has become a focal point in our community for a variety of reasons. The victims of human trafficking who participated in painting the wall now consider it “their” wall and feel so much ownership and pride in its existence, making them feel visible and supported. It has also become the most photographed wall in the city and serves to constantly remind us that we have both a problem and solution.”

Aimee Stearns

Victim Witness Coordinator

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Vermont

Reactions from residents at Southampton Street Shelter, Boston, MA

“When times are hard and we forget to take care of ourselves, it’s nice to be reminded there is more in life than we can see.” – Adam

“I love to see the beautiful mural when I come down to the cafeteria. It lightens and brightens my mood. Some people may think it’s a corny saying, but it is universally true. All people are loved by somebody.” – Mark

“The mural is an inspiration for what I do and to put a smile on other peoples faces is priceless.” David

“The mural inspires people, reminding people they are loved and wanted, which can sometimes be the most important thing. They are not forgotten and this situation is only temporary. – Ed

Responses from inmates at Oak Creek Youth Correctional Facility, Albany, OR

“Thank you for the beautiful mural. I love the message. It brightens our day and we are so grateful for the time you spent with us.” -Nae

“I had a great time talking and watching you paint. I appreciate all the time, love, and effort you put into our unit and getting to know us a little. The mural looks beautiful and the message is clear – WE ARE NEEDED!” – SE

“Thank you for coming and painting our wall. When I read it I have more faith in life.” -Shayla

“Thank you so much for making our unit a better place. I really like that you took your time to do something meaningful for us. You’re also helping any future girls because when they step foot on the unit they won’t be so scared.” -Ashley

“Thank you for taking the time to do these murals with us. They’re amazing and beautiful. I had a lot of fun working with you.” -Jenna