Artist’s notes about the piece: Marsha took over a year to complete and was created with the help of my (at the time) five year old son and my three year old daughter. They had painted an underpainting on a large canvas when they were about three and one and a half years old and I saved it, waiting for the right time to use it. Fast forward about a year, I was on a lunch date with my son and we sat near a trans woman, sparking a conversation about identity, love, and acceptance.  This moment made me reflect on the importance of creating space for my children’s questions, to ensure they feel safe to be whoever they are, and to teach them to also create safe spaces for the people around them. Soon after, we began learning together about the Pride movement and those who fought for rights and those who continue to do so. When we came across this photo of Marsha and her story I KNEW this was meant to be on our canvas I had saved for so long.  Together we spent almost another year creating this artwork, it’s a memory I will cherish forever and I pray has helped to deepen love, empathy, and support within my children. 

Marsha was featured in a group exhibition, Beyond and Go Figure V, at the Bo Bartlett Center and is published in the Arts to Hearts Studio Visit Vol 4. The journey this piece has taken me on personally and in my career has been a beautiful one. I hope the journey of this artwork can continue to uplift and spark conversations and love.

For more information about Jenna Deibel and her work, please visit her website.