Allyson Biondo & students at Harwood Union High, Moretown, Vermont 2023
Artist statement: A bright group of students from Harwood Union High School (Moretown, VT) approached me, looking for an artist to help them with a mental health awareness mural for the main entrance of their school. This is a subject I feel very connected to, as my 4 children lost their father to suicide in 2016. Over the course of this project, I learned that a few of these students had also been affected by a suicide in their lives. To have the opportunity to help support these young, aware, and hopeful students was an honor for me, and helped me to connect our human experiences and become aware of this mural movement. I hope to create more of these in schools and public spaces across our tiny yet mighty state!
Artist bio: I have a bachelors degree in art education, am a mother of four, and a practicing stained glass and mural artist, living in Vermont.