LORAIN — A mural created by local artists was unveiled Tuesday evening at South Lorain Community Park.
The mural, which was created through a partnership between Raise Up and FireFish Arts, depicts symbols of the Lorain neighborhood that many have grown up around for generations.
“This is part of the redevelopment that Raise Up is doing in south Lorain,” said Judy Carlin, CEO of Raise Up. “We wanted to communicate that we are here to lift people up, and to lift the community, inspire the community. And I think the artists captured the richness of culture that we have here in south Lorain.”
Three local artists collaborated on the project: Amariana Santiago, Maia Arabuli and Reinaldo Contreras III.
“We work with artists in the community to help elevate them,” said Joan Perch, artist and project manager with FireFish Arts. “The Raise Up group was really committed to artistic expression and local artists being engaged in the project.”
Perch added that the three artists decided to work collaboratively on the entire piece instead of splitting it into thirds.
“When you get three artists coming together to create one piece of art, that can be challenging,” Perch said. “Yet, they were excited and they supported each other. And they created something beautiful, and I think that reflects on the community.”
Santiago and Contrerras both grew up in south Lorain, Perch said. Arabuli is originally from the country Georgia.
“I’m really far away from home,” Arabuli said. “It’s really far away, but I feel safe.”
To Santiago, growing up in south Lorain was always about the family around her.
“Most of my family is on this side,” Santiago said. “Every time coming down, I’d always see the steel mill and I’d know I’m getting close. It’s friends, family and growing up here, they’ve always worked together and stand for each other.”
Elements like the steel mill were intentionally incorporated in the mural, the artists said.
“You’ve got the neighborhood, the steel mill — a big part of Lorain’s history,” Santiago said.
Although she hasn’t called the International City home for long, Arabuli said being a part of creating the mural meant “everything.”
“I put all my passion, all my movement and my art,” Arabuli said. “I feel safe, I feel home. … I’m here as a family member, I feel so. And I feel all of the community.”
Santiago hopes it has longevity.
“I hope the piece rings true and that they enjoy it for years to come.”