Artist Statement, Mural Making Process, and Art Style(s)

I am a community- and environmentally-focused public artist with 26+ years of experience facilitating arts engagement, community planning, public art and placemaking projects in Northwestern Pennsylvania. I work in direct response to invitations from partners/clients, bringing community stakeholders, volunteers, and relevant experts together in the design and implementation of local and regional projects that enliven, revitalize, and beautify public spaces. My projects are designed to increase local/regional awareness of the social, cultural, and historic importance or environmental value of the project site, foster dialogue and inclusion, and promote healing and community engagement.

My mural work has unfolded in response to community interests and locations, most recently as part of my work on The Arc Community Greenspace in downtown Meadville, PA. Most of the murals adjacent to The Greenspace were developed through community charettes. They have tended to be representational based on community interests and ideas. I finalize the design to ensure best results while incorporating community voice and vision. The technical approach of these projects grows from my background as a sculptor, but I have also worked with mosaics and painted murals. My work is often undertaken under the umbrella of the Art & Environment Initiative, a program I founded and have directed since 1997. To learn more, visit https://www.amarageffenstudios.com/index.php/aei-history-and-timeline/.