Art in the Alley

One of my favorite memories is from the spring of 2018- thecensoredartist and I embarked on a mural-painting adventure during downtown Greensburg’s Arts Walk. We watched the town light up with zeal as people emerged from winter’s hibernation, welcoming the sunshine and celebrating the arts. Painting felt like a dance, and on concrete walls we planted bold flowers in candy-coated, vibrant hues.
I cherished and savored every second of that day. I was set to begin chemotherapy just five days later and wore a large scarf to hide the bandages and soreness from my port insertion that happened a day prior. I had told very few at that point in time, perhaps in fear of being a burden, perhaps in fear of disrupting the normalcy that had felt destined to be extinguished, and perhaps because I knew that in accepting a new reality, I would be forced to part with a version of myself who I had just begun to learn to love.
...but as we painted, none of what was to come seemed to matter. I felt alive. I felt 26, unsinkable, and so connected to our community… protected by friendship and love and the power of expression. It’s funny to see images of “past Stacey” preparing for an unknown that “current Stacey” has experienced and now reflects on through memories. The highs. The lows.
I celebrated a milestone this week- my implanted port that was used to deliver chemo was removed on Wednesday. The nurses in interventional radiology surprised me in the recovery room with a gorgeous slice of celebratory cake… adorned with sprinkles in the same vibrant hues as the garden that Sarah and I painted. I am forever touched by every act of kindness and love I've been fortunate enough to have received - from the art community, the medical community, my Macy's family, my parents, my dear friends, other survivors who have shared their knowledge and insight... You are all vibrant flowers. And I will do everything I can to pay it forward.
#hodgkinslymphoma #survivor #portremoval #portremovalday #wctsartinthealley #wctartinthealley #exploregreensburg #downtowngreensburgpa #pittsburghartist #surrealpainter #mural #streetart #floralart #floralpainting #floralmural #gratitude #thankyou ...

There should be art in every alley! The colors, the techniques and smiles. Could have spent hours looking. #wctartinthealley #westmorelandculturaltrust #artinthealley #geocaching #geocachingadventurelab #adventurelab #geocachingfun #geocachingbringsyoutocoolplaces #somuchtosee #cantchoosemyfavorite #visitgreensburgpa #greensburgpennsylvania #artingreensburg #warholdied35yearsagotoday ...

Can we make Street Art Sunday a thing? 🎨

#wctsartinthealley ...

Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?

#fridakahlo #fly #ivegotwings #greensburgpa #greensburg #pennsylvania #localadventures #checkoutyourlocaltown #nightonthetown #art #artinthealley #adventure #explore #travelgirl #roadtrip #wanderingwomen #girlonthemove #wctartinthealley ...

drink cactus juice. It'll quench ya. nothing is quenchier. It's the quenchiest!⠀
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but really- can i get some kind of award for how often i changed my hair colour in high school alone. i deserve that,,⠀
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#wctsartinthealley #artinthealley #splithaircolor #splithairdye #diyhaircolor ...

Snowy walk through #wctartinthealley. No matter how many times you can walk through the alley, you can find something new! ...

#wct #westmorelandculturaltrust #westmorelandcultural #artinthealley #wctartinthealley #wctsartinthealley #alley #artwork #art #publicart #streetart #mural #streetphotos #streetphoto #streetphotography #greensburg #westmoreland #pennsylvania #painting #music #musical #piano #stairs #pianostairs ...