FOLLOW THE WAVE: Art for the People, Made by the People
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FOLLOW THE WAVE: Art for the People, Made by the People *
FOLLOW THE WAVE: Art for the People, Made by the People
The Wave Mural Collective is a group of women artists, activators, and activists who collaborate to create community-based murals centered on social and environmental justice.
The wave serves as both a symbol and a metaphor—representing the power of collective movement, transformation, and the ripple effect that public art can generate within communities.
While each of us has experience leading and contributing to mural projects individually, our first collective effort was the Building a Better World Wave Mural, completed in downtown Amesbury in June 2025. This project stands as a model of our mission: to co-create murals that are rooted in equity, collaboration, and place-based storytelling—and to bring this model to other communities.
The Wave Mural Collective
The Collective Approach
At the heart of our mural-making process is a simple yet powerful philosophy: Art for the People, Made by the People. While our team of artists provides the creative direction and leads the design and installation, the soul of the work comes from the hands of the community.
Through pop-up tile-making workshops hosted across neighborhoods, schools, organizations, and public events, we invite participants of all ages and backgrounds to engage directly in the creative process using raw clay. These workshops foster connection, self-expression, and a sense of ownership.
Each tile created tells a story and represents a unique voice. Assembled together, they form a vibrant, permanent mural that reflects the spirit, diversity, and creativity of the community. It’s not just about making art—it’s about making space for all community members to be seen and celebrated.
This is collective artmaking with purpose. This is COMMUNITY in action.
BUILDING A BETTER WORLD Community Wave Mural 2025
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The Creation.
The Building a Better World Wave Mural is a community-driven mosaic installed in downtown Amesbury, MA in June 2025.
Designed by local 8th grader Ania Tymowski and digitally rendered by Meadowhawk Studios, this mural features tiles made by humans of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Representing a “Wave of Change,” its 12 colors reflect themes of social and environmental action—each one a step toward Building a Better World, together.
These 12 themes were inspired by responses from local middle school students when asked, “What do we need to build a better world?” The result is a powerful visual story woven from hundreds of community voices, one tile at a time.
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The Evolution.
In Spring of 2024, we opened a call to students in the local school systems for mural designs with the theme Building a Better World. Our goal was a large-scale mural that united diverse entities of the community together into a common goal, creating something both beautiful and meaningful.
Our greatest hope in the process was to ignite dialogue and actionable change and to bring people together.
What unfolded exceeded all expectations. We made, we laughed, we cried, we healed. Stories were shared, voices were elevated, and a sense of belonging grew stronger with every tile. Most importantly, we supported one another—showing what’s possible when community comes together with purpose and heart.
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Community Built.
From November 2024 to May 2025, our team hosted nearly 30 community events that brought public art to life. Through pop-up tile-making workshops held across the city, we engaged hundreds of participants—from toddlers to senior citizens.
Thanks to generous grants and donations, every event was free and accessible, ensuring that everyone could take part, regardless of age, background, or experience.
This project reflects the magnitude of the creative spirit and collective voice of our community.
Follow The Wave
Make it
We’d love to bring the magic of community art-making to your city! Our team offers a full range of support—from consultation and planning to creating a unique mural from start to finish alongside your community. Whether you’re looking to spark connection, celebrate local stories, or brighten public spaces, we can help make it happen.
Make a donation
Support our mission by contributing today.
