You Belong Here

“You Belong Here,” by internationally renowned artist Janel Young, is the newest addition to Springfield’s growing collection of public art. Designed to be placed at The Dome, on a public-facing wall of the Global Impact Stem Academy, the image beautifies the area while uplifting community morale during a socially challenging time for Springfield. 

The process of painting the 2,500 square foot mural began in early September and was completed by its unveiling on September 11. Young dedicated the piece to her late grandparents who had lived in Springfield. According to the artist’s statement, the objective of her project was to “create a mural design that is vibrant, eye-catching, and inviting for youth, families, and residents, reflective of the shifts in Springfield’s culture and community. The design is driven by the community
discussions leading up to the project.”

The aforementioned community discussions are referencing five engaged-listening sessions which occurred over the course of the year leading up to the creation of the mural. Listening sessions included: a public gathering at the State Theater, children at the Clark County Public Library, the Project Jericho influencers youth, 15 students at Springfield High School, Young Black Professionals. 

The artist’s statement on their composition explains how the “...geometric design welcomes curiosity and interpretation, drawing in the viewer with a bold color palette and playful composition. You are inclined to feel forward movement from left to right, progressing from the red triangular arrows to the green, with the abstract imagery resembling the word “BELONGING” as the focal point in the center.” 

These abstract images serve a subjective purpose, with a strong undercurrent that acknowledges the history of Springfield while encouraging unity for a progressive future. 

This project came to fruition through the efforts of Springfield Public Art, a committee composed of 10 local organizations who secured the funding from the Ohio Arts Council’s ArtsNEXT grant program. 

Marta Wojcik, the residing Executive Director & Curator of the Westcott House, commented on the committee’s work to see this undertaking through, “So much about this project has been extraordinary – the artist herself - Janel Young – she is the most wonderful human being and truly a remarkable artist. A collaborative nature of work done by the members of the Springfield Public Art, the conversations we had and people we met through the community engagement groups.”

Underscoring the true community-engagement and support for this project Wojcik offers, “The fact that Springfield’s own artists Pete Hrinko and Matt Scaggs supported Janel in such a caring way and the direct involvement of the students. This mural and its message is clear to me – We need to keep showing up for each other. I am optimistic about our community despite this current crisis. Since moving here in 2005, I have experienced so much incredible work being accomplished by people who are deeply committed to Springfield. If history teaches us anything, it is that no matter how much resistance to change, many newcomers ultimately will find ways to feel like they belong and claim their right to coexist with longtime residents. Our job in the cultural sector is to continue building bridges by doing what we do best – using humanities and the arts to create opportunities for meaningful connections.” 

Find more information on the project visit Westcott House.