‘We’re all survivors’
The new, colorful mural along Pueblo’s Arkansas River levee represents numerous things. For Rebecca Wasil, an advisor in the Pueblo Community College Accessibility Center, it is a representation of teamwork and a dream come true.
Wasil has dealt with major depression for more than 50 years. In 2005, she created a large perennial garden in her front yard – a refuge during darker days.
In 2017, she had a stroke that affected her ability to speak, read and write. Again, the thriving garden provided a form of therapy and respite during the difficult and ongoing work of recovery.
Wasil said her personal challenges gave her additional insight when working with PCC students who have cognitive issues. She has spoken to numerous student and community groups about her experiences and Gov. Jared Polis appointed her to serve on the Colorado Brain Injury Trust Fund Board as the representative for southern Colorado.
During her recuperation from the stroke, Wasil and her husband, Ron, took walks along Pueblo’s new levee. When artists started painting murals again, as they had on the old levee, Wasil knew she wanted to create one that would honor those who have survived depression, strokes, brain injuries and whatever other disruptions life can present.
She knew nothing about creating such a project, but a college campus is a pretty good environment to be in when you’re seeking answers.
“My brain injury mentor said you can complete goals, but you don’t have to do it alone,” said Wasil.
First, she talked to Lauren O'Mara, a student employee in the Accessibility Center who also is an artist. Based on photos of Wasil’s garden, O’Mara created the scene that would become the mural: A vibrant green backdrop is the canvas for poppies, roses, chives, honeysuckle, trumpet vines and a weeping cherry tree. In the middle of the picture are two white chairs – an invitation to rest – and a sign that reads Survivors’ Garden.
Ann Oreskovich, assistant department chair and faculty member in the PCC Art program, quickly became the team researcher. She got details about how to apply for a mural spot, figured out how to transform a small painting into a large mural, and coordinated the venture as a volunteer project for the PCC Art Club.
“She would say, ‘I don’t know how to do that, but we can find out,’” said Wasil. “And she did.”
The PCC president’s office, under then-President Patty Erjavec, donated funds to the Art Club to pay for equipment and painting supplies. Robin Romero, who works in PCC’s Customer Solutions Center, furnished supplies and snacks.
The volunteers worked for several hours a day, five days a week, in May and June. The team included Wasil, Oreskovich, O’Mara, PCC student Stephanie Boulet, faculty member Sara Cox and instructors Sally Ashton, Catie Blickhahn and AJ Crowell, as well as several family members and friends.
“Everyone had their strengths. It was just fun and hard work every day,” said Wasil. “Getting to spend time with these people and talk – I just have so much respect for them.”
The completed mural was officially unveiled July 26. It is on the levee trail about halfway between Dutch Clark Stadium and West 11th Street in central Pueblo. The location is beyond the bend of the Arkansas River and next to a path so visitors walking on top of the levee can wander down and view the full painting from below.
When the group finished the mural, Oreskovich made a simple statement: “See, Rebecca? Dreams do come true.”
“We’re all survivors; we’ve all survived many things,” Wasil said. “(This) really has been a symbol of new life to me. It’s a culmination of the whole healing process.”
