Build Bridges
2025 Street Wise Mural Festival
Location: North facing wall of People Productions Outbuilding, 1735 15th St Boulder, CO 80302
Photos by Jeff Goldberg, Yukai Tomsovic, and Aerica Raven
More than just anthropomorphized animals in cute clothing, Aerica Raven’s Build Bridges explores forming connections with those who experience the world differently. The artist and her mentee Natalia Vinueza created a mural that exemplifies finding common ground for #2025SWMF.
The mural depicts a gift exchange between a cat and a wren, each sharing things that bring them joy. Being very different creatures, their gifts may not bring the same delight to the recipient, but as the artist’s grandma says, "It's the thought that counts." We can choose to see the good intent in someone's actions and use that goodwill as a foundation for strengthening our community.
The background arch symbolizes the conversation these contrasting critters might have as they discuss the variety of things they love. Through their exchange, they discover not just what makes them different, but what they share in common. The background imagery (from left to right) includes a common milk snail, wheatgrass, a hobo spider, catnip, yarn, and some yummy fish bones—all anchored by the sun, which serves as both the architectural keystone of the design and a metaphor for this pair's enlightened understanding.
“This was one of the most engaging murals I've worked on,” says Aerica. “I don't know if it was the worm, the cat, or just Boulder people doing Boulder things, but passersby were inquisitive and eager to share their experiences. As an artist, I was delighted. That kind of response and support—especially inspired by something I was making—is a huge honor. I enjoyed every day on site working with Street Wise.”
Aerica firmly believes resistance starts in our communities and spreads outward. She wanted to highlight the choices we make every day when we interact with others, particularly with those who see the world differently. In a time when groups seem so focused on what makes us different, the artist wanted to emphasize that we're all individuals who share just as many similarities as we do differences. Through compassion and curiosity, we can choose to see one another as allies rather than enemies. After all, joy is one of the strongest things we can share, don't you think?
About the Artist:
Aerica Raven is a multidisciplinary artist specializing in murals, illustrations, and immersive environments. She received her BFA in Sculpture from Wichita State University and has since devoted over 12 years installing murals and interactive installations across the country. Her work is not exclusive to galleries and can be found in homes, businesses, and street alleys. Defined by vivid colors and striking linework, Aerica’s practice conjures nature-inspired dreamscapes grounded in storytelling and the exploration of human experience. Illustrative and thoughtful, her work maintains a sense of childlike innocence while examining the complex reality of life in this world. Outside the studio, Aerica delights in her two cats and life partner (in that order), and explores as much as she can.