Words of affirmation are painted on a small concrete wall facing west along Oakland Avenue. Whether the message of each word is interpreted separately, or together as a group, is up to the viewer. The artists’ purpose is to inspire, motivate, and uplift the surrounding community and anyone who may be visiting the Englewood neighborhood. A brief message is included in both English and Spanish on either end of the mural:

“Together we persevere through hard times. We shine on better days. We dream about new opportunities. We persist to fight the obstacles in our way.”

“Juntos perseveramos en tiempos difíciles. Brillamos en días mejores. Soñamos con nuevas oportunidades. Persistimos para luchar contra los obstáculos en nuestro camino.”

This mural was originally installed as part of Indy Art & Seek, a 2020-2021 project with the Arts Council of Indianapolis and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful.

Rafael Caro is an artist and muralist with Blend Creative Minds based in Indianapolis. His work ranges from colorful exaggerated illustrations depicting local characters and landscapes to traditional hand-lettered signs and window paintings. He mostly works with acrylics, enamel paint, exterior latex paint, and aerosol spray paint. He is known for combining media and working large.