What does inclusive public art look like when it comes from lived experience?

In this episode of Coffee Can’t Fix Everything, I sit down with Marissa Hernandez—a artist from the Des Moines art scene—to talk about mental health, faceless portraits, and how her murals bring representation and healing to public spaces across Iowa.

Topics we cover:

Art and identity in the Iowa art community
Mental health and creativity as a BIPOC artist
Why faceless portraits create deeper emotional connection
Community-driven art and youth collaboration
Navigating the art industry and pricing your work fairly
How murals can empower young artists and change public spaces

If you care about mental health in the arts, representation in public art, or just want a powerful story on how art can be a voice for the voiceless, you need to watch this.

💬 Join the conversation in the comments:
What kind of representation is missing in your city’s public art?

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