Art-Colored Glasses & the Downtown West Community

Mural by Alex Kwong and Sergey Ryutin for the Downtown West Community Mural Project

Mural by Alex Kwong and Sergey Ryutin for the Downtown West Community Mural Project

During my first time partaking in a Jane’s walk, I was pleasantly surprised by how rich the art culture was in the Downtown West Community. It seemed that every corner I turned there was a gorgeous mural that jumped out at me. I noticed that through the experience of doing the Jane’s Walk, my eyes had become peeled for art. It was as if I had slipped on some art-colored glasses that helped to focus my attention and filter out everything else. Even after leaving our Jane’s Walk area, in the car on the way home, I couldn’t stop noticing beauty around me. I felt joyful and childlike; completely struck by the unexpected beauties and culture our city has to offer.

Becoming attuned to the art around me made me feel connected to the community in a way that can only be described as spiritual. I felt like I was really a part of something; something that was important and really beautiful. Strengthening the presence of the arts culture in a city really can make the city and its residents happier. I smiled warmly at people I passed while walking down the streets and they smiled back at me, an especially unusual experience for someone who is usually quite timid of interacting with strangers.

I think that more people should participate in a Jane’s Walk because it really is a way to change your perspective of your city and see things in a new light. Without the experience of walking (rather than driving through) the area I wouldn’t have come across much of the art I was able to appreciate. At many times, I wouldn’t notice a mural or a sculpture until I was standing nearly right in front of it. I found that deliberately observing art trains you to derive warmth and feelings of togetherness from the community; it trains you to be mindful of the beauty that surrounds you and inspires joy.