Poverty – A Mural

Recently, graduates from Getting Ahead collaborated with the Anderson Museum of Art to use art therapy as an opportunity for expression and to create stronger ties. This resulted in Poverty, a mural now hanging in Second Harvest’s Community Room. Additional support was provided by Thrive Federal Credit Union and Ivy Tech Community College, who contributed funding and space to bring the project to life.

Artists Carol Bradshaw, Shirley Rice, Trish Roark, Aura Wallace, Zavier Wallace, and Chaney Youngblood, together with art instructor Nick Martin, created Poverty, which was then painted at scale as a community effort on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, 2026

Poverty represents the lived experience of carrying the weight of poverty—a heavy burden that can crush the spirit. Yet, when a supportive community helps pull that weight, the load becomes lighter. And when organizations and caring neighbors step in to lift it, the burden can be bearable.

The empty space surrounding the figures symbolizes the loneliness and isolation that often accompany poverty. Even those who help lift the weight, may feel alone in the task. But through the daily work of Second Harvest, our neighbors, and other individuals, the isolation is eased, and the stigma of poverty is challenged.

We invite anyone who is part of our mission to cure hunger to sign their name in the empty space around the figures, showing their support to share the weight and help our community grow stronger, because together, we are more.