On the corner of Arch Street and 8th street there is a small open door. Inside, chairs line the walls beneath the windows and tables are scattered around the room. Half of the tables in the "Hub" as it's called were overtaken with long strips of fabric, markers and looms. At this shelter on the corner of 8th and Arch, Mural Art's history is being made. The mural in progress is the first of its kind, to be painted on 150 mats of woven cloth instead of parachute cloth. Assisting one of the Lead Artists Margaret is finishing up one of the first mats when I arrive. Half finished looms lean against the wall while strips of paper lie in piles around the space. Each strip has been written on by people passing through homeless and not. I pull up a chair to talk with Margaret Hull as her fingers deftly weave a slip of fabric.
Name: Margaret Hull
Age: 23
Birthplace: Richmond Virginia
Current Location (excluding Internship): Richmond Virginia
Education: Bachelors of Fine Arts from Maryland Institute College of Art
Preferred Medium: Embroidery or Silk screening
Site: Arch Street Cafe or Hub
Artist: Kathrin Pannepacker and Josh Sarantitus
Jobs on Site: Weaving, teaching and preparing looms and fabric for use
Job Questions:
Why did you apply for this internship? I had heard of Mural Arts all the way in Virginia, working on community arts projects there. It's an amazing organization and i wanted to be involved with Mural arts and also to get a chance to work with an artist.
What do you plan on gaining from this project? To have a great understanding of the process and what its like to be homeless. Also to learn from a professional artist and work on a large scale project with community members.
Future Plans? I'm moving to New Orleans to volunteer with Literacy America
Favorite Mural? The mural on the bridge of the two feuding neighborhoods. I like the story behind it.
Personal Questions:
What are you listening to? I'm listening to independent folksy bands like Clay Foxes and Little Wings.
Favorite Color? Probably mustard.
Favorite Food? Right now it's granola and berries
Favorite Season? I guess it would be summer.
Favorite Emotion? Anticipation
If you could be an animal...? I'd be a tropical bird like a toucan or something
Favorite place on earth? The camp in southern Virginia I went to when I was little
Did you remember sunscreen? Yes
How do you think art can change the world? I think art can make people pause. With everyone rushing around that pause can give them time to examine their own life or the lives of those around them.
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