07/01/2026
Each year, S.T.A.R works with a local artist to lead Juneteenth guests on a community art project that is then finished and revealed at the annual S.T.A.R Student Social Justice Art Showcase event in the fall. This year, Tara Blackwell, a mixed media pop artist working in Connecticut and New York, and a long time S.T.A.R supporter, was the featured artist. We asked Tara to give some insight into her project and vision.
“This collaborative artwork celebrates the spirit of Juneteenth through the power of shared expression.
Juneteenth guests contributed freely to the backgrounds, filling each canvas’ panels with doodles, graffiti-inspired marks, stars, hearts, words, symbols, and spontaneous bursts of color.
The community created the background, and the final layer will incorporate additional symbols and graffiti-style lettering featuring messages that anchor each panel: Rise Up. Speak Up. Stand Up. Lift Up.
Rise Up reflects our resilience. Speak Up reminds us that every voice deserves to be heard. Stand Up represents a commitment to justice. Lift Up reminds us to support and encourage one another as a community. Together, these four messages move from awareness to action.
Just as no single mark defines these paintings, no single voice creates lasting change. This community art project is a visual reminder that when we stand together against racism, we create something stronger and brighter than any one of us could create alone.
In honoring Juneteenth, this vibrant artwork invites us to continue adding our own marks and to rise up, speak up, stand up, and lift up so that the story of freedom continues to grow with every generation.”
We thank Tara for her creative vision and can’t wait to see the final community art project at the S.T.A.R Fairfield County Student Social Justice Art Showcase Opening Reception to be held at the Carriage Barn in New Canaan on Saturday, November, 14, 2026.
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photo credit: Geoffrey Tischman
