A new mural titled “Mothers of the Forest†now graces the Cardinal Bicycle building in Grandin Village, highlighting three women whose community contributions have inspired both artist and neighbors alike.
The mural, created by local artist Jon Murrill, features Amazella Anderson, Jenny Ripp and Brittany-Marie Aarons — each recognized for a unique role in cultivating community and care within the Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø Valley.
A new mural titled “Mothers of the Forest,†by local artist Jon Murrill, is seen on the back of the Cardinal Bicycle building in Grandin Village on Thursday.
Murrill, local artist and educator, is known for his public art of residents throughout the region, inspired by the personal stories and passions of people, he explains on his Instagram account:@jonmdraws.
Anderson, a master gardener and community advocate, volunteers with the Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø Foodshed Network and helps manage several local community gardens.
Amazella Anderson, a master gardener and community advocate, volunteers with the Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø Foodshed Network and helps manage several local community gardens and teaches young people how to grow food, eat smart and embrace the therapeutic benefits of gardening.
“We teach people how to grow their own food, the importance of eating smart to be healthier, and also to share the therapeutic effect of gardening,†Anderson said.
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Ripp, a barista with RND Coffee Lounge since 2022, spoke about the joy she finds in being part of people’s daily routines. RND is a locally owned, small-batch roastery with locations in Wasena and Vinton.
Jenny Ripp, a barista with RND Coffee Lounge since 2022, said she finds joy in being part of people’s daily routines. RND is a locally owned, small-batch roastery with locations in Wasena and Vinton.
“I feel like it’s really nice to be a small piece of people’s day and light it up a little bit with caffeine,†Ripp said. “I’ve had the pleasure of serving both communities and witnessing countless meetings, knitting group hangs, family outings, study groups and old friends reconnecting over a cup. Coffee and community mean the world to me — and that’s why I was honored to be part of Jon’s vision.â€
Aarons is a design consultant with Renewal by Andersen, window and door replacement division, where she prioritizes sustainability and environmental awareness through her work.
Brittany-Marie Aarons is a design consultant with Renewal by Andersen window and door replacement division, where she prioritizes sustainability and environmental awareness through her work.
“We prioritize saving the trees and eliminating plastic, so trying to get less people to put plastic in their windows and avoiding cutting down the trees to put in our windows and doors,†said Aarons.
“I consider myself someone who uses all of my gifts and skills — from movement to aroma, ecology and art — to create calm, comfort and neutrality in a very tumultuous time.â€
The mural was commissioned by Cardinal Bicycle, whose shop manager, Dan Lucas, said he and shop owner Whit Ellerman were drawn to Murrill’s previous work and saw an opportunity to contribute to the city’s growing art scene. Murrill already had the concept for “Mothers of the Forest,†and it aligned well with Cardinal’s outdoor recreation identity.
Amazella Anderson, from left, Jenny Ripp and Brittany-Marie Aarons inspired the new mural “’Mothers of the Forest†painted by Jon Murrill.
“We love the idea of art throughout the city and being able to ride a bike to visit that art,†Lucas said. “This felt like the perfect way to bring that vision to our own building and be part of that creative journey.â€
The mural can be viewed behind the exterior of the building at the Grandin Village location, located at 1312 Winborne St. S.W., celebrating the spirit of outdoor recreation, community and creativity.
