When you hear the phrase “It takes a village,” that village would thrive if it were composed of folks just like Jess King.
Jess is a lover of nature, a supporter of the community, a world traveler, a provider for the hungry, and a friend to all. She is a seasoned volunteer, a humble leader, and the epitome of love. Did we mention she is super nice?
So we were both delighted and not surprised in the least when we heard of her new project to bring a bright spot to North Main Street.
The Back Story
An artist in her own right, Jess was known to leave a stash of chalk outside for neighborhood kids and friends to doodle on the driveway, sidewalk, or retaining wall in front of her home. When she would return from work, church, or saving the world, those little masterpieces would bring her so much joy.
On one of those homeward-bound journeys, inspiration struck. “When they draw on that wall, it’s fun,” Jess remembers. “If I had a mural, it would be like driving home to joy every day and bring joy to anyone who passes by.”
Enter Elysia
Elysia King is a St. Louis-based Cardiovascular ICU nurse-turned muralist and live-painting extraordinaire. From interactive wedding celebrations to landscape-altering commissions, her work is “rooted in connection, gratitude, and storytelling.” So it was a natural fit when Jess came calling to create a piece with a story to tell.
The Message
Early on, it was clear that the mural would carry a message of hope; a reflection of Jess’s vision for our community and shared humanity. The three simple words they landed on are a gentle, but powerful reminder for all who pass that we really only have one job here:
Love thy neighbor.
Set in a scene of botanicals (many of which can be spied growing around the property), the message is a daily proposition that we’re better together, golden ruling our way to a brighter tomorrow. Beyond simple kindness, it is a charge to decide and actively move toward the best for others.
“Two things we’ll never have enough of: art and messages of love.”
PHOTO GALLERY
Where you come in.
Besides taking in the beauty of the piece and heeding its sage advice, Jess now invites you to join the Love Thy Neighbor Project.
Bring the mural to life by sharing your story. From Jess:
”We’d love for you to submit a photo of yourself, your family, friends, team, or group with the mural and tell us what ‘Love Thy Neighbor’ means to you. Share a personal example of how you’ve lived out this message, witnessed it in action, or seen someone make a difference through kindness, compassion, service, or community.”
You heard it, village. Let’s get to work.
