My name is Ashley Jane Laird

After graduating from Washburn University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2011, I have focused on developing my skills as a facilitator and designer of community-based murals. I have worked on numerous public projects across the country, including: Joplin, Missouri; Arkadelphia, Arkansas; Waco, Texas; Queens, New York; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Songdo, South Korea and five murals in here Topeka. I also have led women and children in collaborative projects for Survivor Art Night at the Topeka YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment for which I was honored with a 2012 Arts Advocate Award.

For me, this work is the most fulfilling and meaningful work I have ever done. The stories we tell are often ones that are over looked. These projects give us a chance to reclaim public space to share, remember and celebrate these important aspects of our culture.  In the end, it feels like a real accomplishment and gives me a renewed sense of hope.

The Kansas Women’s Mural

In conjunction with the Great Mural Wall of Topeka (the soon to be longest mural in the state at 900’ feet), I will be leading a community-based process that culminates in a 12’ x 70’ foot mural panel that honors the history, accomplishments and continued spirit of Kansas Women. The project will involve Topeka citizens directly in the research, design and painting of the mural. Beginning with workshops in April, a volunteer mural team will learn about the techniques and traditions of mural painting as well as the work and lives of significant Kansas muralists. The team will create and gather raw material for the mural from sources including local libraries, museums, interviews, community meetings and drawing workshops. The finished design will be painted collaboratively by the design team and any interested passersby. We will celebrate completion of the first ever Kansas Women’s mural in June with a formal dedication and great street party.

Why we need your support

We are two thirds of the way to fully funding this important project. Your contribution will help us raise the one third ($2,500) that remains. Funds raised in this campaign will go to pay for paint, scaffolding and design materials. All of the other costs have been covered. Any funds raised over our goal will be rolled forward into the next mural on the Great Mural Wall.

For folks who contribute, I am offering special perks:

$10 a signed postcard of the completed mural

$25 a selection of five signed postcards from the Great Mural Wall

$50 all eight postcards signed by the artists from the Great Mural Wall

$100 an original signed stencil print by Ashley

$250+ an original signed drawing by Ashley

The impact of your contribution

I have worked on many murals, but this is the most personal one to date. Topeka is my hometown and I care about it deeply, especially now and especially when it comes to the recent struggle of Kansas women to safeguard their rights from those who would like to turn back the clock on all the progress we have made. With your support, this mural project will take a bold step in showcasing the remarkable contributions of Kansas women as well as the challenges we face. It could not be more timely.

For those who would like to help but can’t spare the change, we still need your support. Tell your friends about our fundraising campaign, share your ideas for the mural via our blog and come to Topeka and help us paint in May!