Artist presents Pennsylvania-themed collection during Harrisburg City Hall meeting

An artist speaking during public comment at a Harrisburg City Hall meeting said the collection she is exhibiting in City Hall “represents Pennsylvania history, but from a contemporary standpoint.”

The artist, who identified herself as working from the Millworks studio complex, said her work aims to “create art that heals” and to encourage “individualism” so people “feel like they are an artist themselves.” She said the collection adds “a pop of energy to the keystone symbols, to the history of William Penn, as well as recognize the Susquehannock Indians and their importance and what makes this city great.”

The artist told the council she works from “the Millworks, Studio 3 18,” and described the Millworks as a community of creators: “It’s a pretty fun space. There’s over 40 of us there, and, it inspires me to know so many artists.” She said she hopes similar Millworks spaces will appear elsewhere in Harrisburg: “I believe there should be many mill works throughout the city of Harrisburg.”

Describing her creative process, the artist said she often begins work when feeling “frustrated” and uses art therapeutically: "I definitely use art as a therapeutic tool, and it helps me to get out all of my tough emotions instead of just being so angry throughout the day." She said she sets canvases aside for “at least a week or 2 weeks and then go back to it with fresh new energy and new ideas.”

The remarks were delivered as public comment; no council action or vote on the exhibit was recorded in the transcript.