“Porte Aperte”, is my mural for the annual mural event: Alley Islands (2024) at Blockfort Gallery and Studios. The title of this is Italian, meaning “open doors”. The subject of the piece is my older sister, who had such an incredibly challenging year. On top of her challenges, she moved across the country to Columbus. This piece is for her.

I focused on including symbolic images of our family and our childhood. The most important symbol on the mural is the key on the wrist. This key belongs to the first ever door my ancestors owned in America after immigrating from Sicily. The key belonged to a small family grocery store with an apartment above. Feeling the weight of this symbol, my sister and I have matching tattoos of this key. Secondly, the bird cage. This is a 1920’s antique cage for the only pet we ever had growing up - a little parakeet. I often recall early mornings when he would sing and chirp before he passed when we were all fairly young. He so badly wanted to fly and have more space. Lastly, the dove. I’ve only ever painted my sister with doves because I feel they embody her kindness and generosity.

After having a challenging year, this piece represents opening the doors, opening to possibilities, and to quote the gorgeous model: “doors that with our family’s strength could be opened for me”. In summary, this piece is a reflection on my sister own resilience and strength, through the power of our heritage and ancestry.