“Mother Bloom”

by Stacy Ketsios, Grace Gasser and Shelby Smith

The initial concept and illustration for “Mother Bloom” was developed by Stacy Ketsios, and blended with ideas from Shelby Smith and Grace Gasser. Together they painted this centerpiece mural for the Cherry Street Community Garden to bring a sense of connectedness into the garden.

The mural depicts the rich tapestry of the garden with Mother Nature at the center. Themes of community, family and growth are underscored with “Proud of My Roots” growing underground.


About the artists

Stacy Ketsios was a sophomore at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) when she designed and painted this mural in Spring 2023. Her artistic goal is to show her true self without regret or holding back, while she is exploring art of many different styles and particularly enjoys multi-media collage.

Listen to Stacy describe her inspiration for the mural project:

See more art by Stacy Ketsios is on Instagram at sketchesbystacy_


Shelby Renae Smith was a sophomore at MIAD when she painted this mural in Spring 2023.  Her artistic goal for the piece is having people make an emotional connection to it, saying “I feel this piece has inspired me to inspire.”

Listen to Shelby describe her inspiration for the mural project:

See more art by Shelby Smith on Instagram at simplyshelbeyyy


Grace Gasser was a junior in digital media at Marquette University and pursing a minor in Fine Arts through MIAD when she painted this mural in Spring 2023. She is passionate about environmental activism and sustainability, so she was eager to be working with a community garden.  Drawing, sewing and fashion are areas of art that excite Grace.

Listen to Grace’s inspiration for the mural project:

See more art by Grace Gasser on Instagram at lifeinmyeye.s! and grace.gasser.