It's been a long project in the making but we're excited to see a project come to life with a big impact in 2025. And there's no better time to ask for our community's support than on this milestone year that commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the first HMong arriving in the United States - marking 50 years of resilience, growth, and contributions to American society. RISE UP Central Wisconsin partnered with Wausau Area Hmong New Year, Inc. long ago to do workshops with locals to guide our talented artist, Mary Thao - into a mural piece that tells a story often not told in Wausau. We have no HMong representation in any public art forms in Wausau. That ends soon. We are seeking downtown Wausau sites with heavy foot traffic. High visibility. THIS MURAL WILL NOT BE "TUCKED" AWAY SOMEWHERE! It's going to be seen! If you are a downtown commercial property owner and are interested in supporting the first in hopefully a long series of mural storytelling; Unity in Diversity: HMong-American mural project - please contact Jacquelyn, Rise Up Program Coordinator at art@riseupart.org - by next month we hope to sign a contract with a building to have a physical space to begin this important piece of art. As your local art nonprofit, It takes a village to make murals with impact that aren't just art for art's sake - but to tell stories that need to be told. Will you join us in simply supporting this mural with a ❤️ react and a page follow so you can stay updated on its progress!

We partnered NAMI Wisconsin who created a new youth movement that empowers teens to create a new conversation about mental health through education, leadership development, and civic advocacy. 10 small murals will be painting at the following schools: Antigo High School DC Everest Junior High DC Everest High School Marathon High School Merrill High School Tomahawk High School Wausau East High School Wausau West High School + 2 new RYV high schools But our large mural that will encompass the thoughts of all RYV schools and their vision of uplifting each other in their mental health struggles.

Empowering teen youth throughout Wisconsin Rapids, this mural slated for the Summer of 2025 will engage the teens to help paint the mural and tell their stories of living in Wisconsin Rapids.