Shared Spirit

Shared Spirit is a temporary public-facing artwork created in collaboration with Jennifer and her son on a highly visible campus boulder at The Franciscan School in Raleigh. Designed as a multi-sided painted surface, the piece brought color, visibility, and creative energy to a shared school setting.

Each side reflected imagery chosen by Jennifer and her son, making the project a true collaboration. The design included a patriotic Fourth of July / Independence Day side, faith-based imagery in keeping with the school environment, a “20 TFS” side, and a bright wave-and-sun composition. Her son helped apply the primer and base coat, and both he and Jennifer participated in the painting itself.

Because each side of the boulder offered its own surface and visibility, the piece became a layered public artwork shaped by season, setting, and personal input. Rather than being made for permanence, it was created to draw attention to the Spirit Rock as a shared surface—something visible, expressive, and open to future transformation by others in the school community.

What I love about this project is that it shows how public art can be both visible and personal—created for a community setting while still reflecting the people directly involved in bringing it to life.

Title: Shared Spirit
Site/City: The Franciscan School, Raleigh, NC. 
Medium: Acrylic and spray paint.
Date: July 2020.