Coloring in the Grey Barn - A mural by Margalo Guo

Mural by Margalo Guo, completed on the Grey Barn in August 2024. American Goldfinch, Purple Aster, Goldenrod.

(Text originally shared on @arqbarnmecklenburg Instagram page, August 7th 2024)

We are absolutely IN LOVE with our newest art pieces at the ARQbarn. Over the last week muralist and Ithaca-local @margaloguo completed a series of vignettes on the Grey Barn and garage.

ARQbarn co-owner @zoewanders has been on the Advisory Board for @IthacaMurals for almost two years, and was inspired by Ithaca Murals goal to paint more murals on private properties in 2024. In dreaming about the theme for this work we wanted it to emanate some of the natural beauty of the property, and highlight the native flora and fauna that have thrived here for millennia before our modern structures became home to chickens and then artists.

Margalo beautifully captured an American Goldfinch on the wing; their bright flash of yellow can often be seen darting across the property between bushes and trees. The thought that their vibrant yellow will now be visible even through the cold, and grey color palette of winter is very exciting. A small Goldfinch nest is perched at the top corner, bringing to mind the next generation of our migrating songbirds. As a bit of a “peek-a-boo” piece since it will sometimes be hidden behind the sliding door, Margalo included a vibrant bouquet of goldenrod and aster. A gentle reminder to keep space for the exuberance of native wildflowers and plant medicines even as we weed and sculpt certain natural areas to fit our other visual and food desires.

Thank you so much to @margaloguo and @ithacamurals for this collaboration!

Our gratitude for Ithaca Murals for collaborating on this project, and connecting us with Ithaca-artist Margalo Guo!