Dandelions

TITLE: Dandelions-Outside the Box Mural
ARTIST: Jazzmyn Benitez
DATE: 2022
TYPE: Mural
MEDIUM: Paint

ABOUT: The Midland Area Community Foundation selected eight artists to paint downtown Midland utility boxes in a move to beautify the downtown space and give the community an artistic voice. Artist Jazzmyn Benitez gave an artist statement for the project, "This modern-day misunderstood Dandelion should be celebrated through its ability to represent the differences in each of our stories & experiences. Our ability to grow each other help us to become a stronger community. With the rising sun and its setting horizon dandelions represent our ability to boldly rise above indifference and come together as we move forward into the future as we create the true meaning of community. The dandelion plant’s every part is useful –roots, leaves, flower. Its uses include dye for coloring, food, and medicine. Like the members of our community, we all have skills and talents that are needed and welcomed. Dandelion seeds can float up to 5 miles from its point of origin, a lot like our community can grow well past our city. Dandelions are one of the only plants that represent our celestial sky. The Golden petals representing our glorious sun, closing when the sun sets as if to sleep. The white puff circle representing our moon and the seed pods floating gently across the landscape like twinkling stars for us to wish upon."

LOCATION: The intersection of Main and Rodd, Midland, MI