“Grow Into ASL,” a mural by KissFist artist Nico Cathcart, was painted as part of A Wall Mural Projects during Miami Art Week in Miami, Florida. Using transparency to depict the American Sign Language (ASL) sign for “grow” alongside blooming peonies which are the symbols of bravery, the piece serves as a love letter to the Deaf community and a call for unity through art. Painted with @gpwmuralpaints primary colors and a pop of neon pink, the text is entirely freehand.

Credit: Nico Cathcart (@nicocathcart) – “Grow Into ASL”

Anythink’s Brighton Location Hosts an Inside Look at Mural Creation and the Cultural Impact of the Deaf Community

This fall, Anythink Libraries, Adams County’s public library system, is bringing RiNo’s new KissFist Mural Fest to Brighton with the KissFist Mural Fest: Behind the Scenes at Anythink. Opening on Oct. 25 and running through Dec. 19, the exhibit highlights the artistic process of muralists from the deaf community.

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“Grow Into ASL,” a mural by KissFist artist Nico Cathcart, was painted as part of A Wall Mural Projects during Miami Art Week in Miami, Florida. Credit: Nico Cathcart (@nicocathcart) – “Grow Into ASL”

The exhibit, which will feature two of the festival’s muralists, Nico Cathcart and Ellen Mansfield, is an extension of the festival’s vision beyond Denver’s RiNo Art Park and provides opportunities for the Brighton community to experience deaf culture and the creative process of mural-making in their own neighborhood.

Kate Fitzpatrick, founder of the KissFist Festival, will also showcase work that delves into her own creative process and mission-driven artistic goals.

“There is a pervasive history of experience deprivation and isolation in the deaf community due to audism. Creating the KissFist Mural Fest is significant because it is designed to be a place of connection, not isolation,” said Fitzpatrick. “Through KissFist Mural Fest, we aim to celebrate deaf culture through the arts, to pay these muralists fair wages for their work while fostering an environment that is fun, family-friendly and accessible for people with disabilities.”

KissFist Mural Fest, which runs Oct. 17-19 in Denver, is the first mural festival exclusively featuring deaf and hard-of-hearing artists. The festival’s name comes from an American Sign Language phrase meaning to love or enjoy something immensely.

“Anythink Libraries is proud to bring the spirit of KissFist to Adams County,” said Mark Fink, Executive Director of Anythink Libraries. “This partnership gives our community a chance to connect, experience the mural-making process and celebrate the power of inclusion. By sharing this work in our libraries, we are helping build bridges, spark creativity and help people feel welcomed and represented in our spaces.”

Visitors at Anythink Brighton can view concept drawings, mockups, photos of finished creations and time-lapse videos that illustrate how large-scale murals are created, and the exhibition will also include information about deaf culture and other festival participants, creating an educational experience that blends art with accessibility. A celebration is planned on Nov. 12, including a mural unveiling at 11 a.m. for families at Anythink Brighton.

The exhibit will remain on display through Dec. 19.

Learn more at anythinklibraries.org/behind-kissfist-at-anythink.

About Anythink Libraries

Anythink, an award-winning public library system, serves the residents of Adams County, Colorado, via its seven branches and a bookmobile. With a mission to “Open Doors for Curious Minds,” Anythink is a catalyst for innovation and provides comfortable spaces, accessible resources and hands-on programming for all ages. Guided by values of creativity, optimism, compassion and lifelong learning, the library system is committed to representing the diversity of Adams County and creating a sense of belonging for everyone. Anythink’s digital resources are available 24/7—including Anythink World, the library's custom virtual experience platform in the metaverse. The library’s customer experience also extends to specialty spaces and hands-on programs like The Studio, the Nature Library and mySummer. Whether you're exploring a new topic or mastering a skill, discover something new at Anythink. Learn more: anythinklibraries.org.

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Anythink Brighton Hosts an inside look at mural creation and the cultural impact of the Deaf community