“Giant Among Giants” by Dustin Hunt //Summer 2021

21 Weston // Grand Rapids, Michigan

Approximately 80’W X 2’-14’H // latex and spray paint

The mural at 21 Weston celebrates Dr. Ella Sims, who helped to establish Liz’s House, a transitional women's housing program in the Heartside neighborhood.

“Dr. Sims was persistent, committed, persuasive, and driven by her faith. A giant among giants, as she was recognized in 2005, among many other awards, for her achievements. Dr. Sims was involved with many organizations in Grand Rapids over the course of several decades. So, how does one depict her work in a single mural? I wove a colorful cloud through the entire piece, beginning in the fields of Mississippi near a sharecropper’s cabin where she spent her early years, up to a vibrant portrait of Dr. Sims in her later years. I chose to focus on a few key concepts. After learning of her involvement with the Grand Rapids Study Club, and their motto of “rowing not drifting”, I chose to include a row boat, surrounded by several ripples, signifying Dr. Sims’ far reaching impact in the community. Several people noted that most did not see Dr. Sims’ impact, but they surely felt it, even without knowing it. I wanted to emphasize persistence. I also embedded some of Dr.Sims’ characteristics I pulled from interviews and obituaries from friends and family. Another consideration for this piece is the placement. I chose design elements that run horizontal ie; the clouds, fields, and ripples, to draw the viewer’s eyes all the way down the alley-like driveway. I chose to work with a semi limited color palette for the three panels leading up to the portrait of Dr. Sims. This allows for the colors found within Dr. Sims portrait to pop and further draw viewers’ eyes and interest towards the right side of the mural.” -Dustin, Muralmatics founder

Funding vibrant public art that is reflective of the rich living history of the Heartside neighborhood is an ongoing effort with an end goal of improving the quality of life for all residents. I learned some things about Heartside while painting this mural and felt deeply honored to have been selected for this initiative. Multiple community members and partners were a part of the planning process leading up to the mural being painted. Heartside and Dwelling Place residents and staff showed nothing but consistent support and appreciation throughout the entire process. I’m still figuring out ways to put words to the gratitude I have for being able to paint this mural in honor of Dr. Ella Mary Sims.

Photographs courtesy of Erika Townsley.