Mural Monday - Fundación Ana Valentina
- Ana Gabriela
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
This Mural Monday is one that feels especially close to my heart.
In 2024, I traveled to Colombia for a family reunion. I am half Colombian and half American, and most of my mom’s side of the family lives in Colombia and Ecuador. Whenever I have the time, space, and resources, I do my best to visit. It is important to me to stay connected to that part of who I am.
Before the trip, my mom, who works closely with the Ana Valentina Foundation, asked if I would be willing to help with a mural project for the kids they serve.
My answer was yes.
About Ana Valentina
The Ana Valentina Foundation is a Colombian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underprivileged children and families. Their work focuses on education, emotional well-being, and creating safe spaces for kids to grow, learn, and feel supported.
They do not just provide resources. They provide belonging.
Being able to partner with an organization that pours so much into children’s lives meant more to me than I can fully express.
The Vision
The kids wanted a mural that felt like it belonged to them. Something that represented unity. Something that felt like family.
We landed on the idea of a large tree.
The trunk and branches would symbolize strength and growth. The kids themselves would finish the mural by dipping their hands in paint and pressing them onto the wall to form the leaves. Each handprint representing a child. Each leaf representing their presence, their individuality, and their place within the community.
It was not just a mural. It was a collective moment.
Painting With Purpose
Working with the kids was pure joy. They were curious, expressive, and so proud to contribute to the wall. Watching them light up as they saw their handprints become part of something bigger was unforgettable.
It was also incredibly meaningful to work alongside my mom. To create something together in a country that holds so much of our family history felt full circle.
There is something powerful about making art in the place where part of your roots began. It felt grounding. It felt intentional. It felt like giving back.
What It Taught Me
This mural reminded me that art is not just about aesthetics. It is about connection.
It taught me that murals can create ownership and pride, especially when the community is physically part of the creation. When the kids pressed their painted hands onto that wall, they were not just adding leaves. They were saying, I belong here.
It also reminded me how important it is to use whatever gifts we have to serve others. Art can empower. It can uplift. It can build confidence in ways that last far beyond the paint drying.
And on a deeply personal level, this project reminded me why staying connected to my Colombian heritage matters so much to me. Being able to make art in a country that shaped my family and my identity is something I will always cherish.
This mural was for the kids. But it also gave something back to me.
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