Joel Homes
he/him
The name "MACdala" is a playful blend of "MAC," representing McMinnville, and "dala," derived from "Mandala," which serves as the design's namesake. After teaching art for nearly a decade, I discovered that many students often struggle with believing they can create works of art. The reality is that we become proficient in what we practice. However, when we don't believe we're good at something, we fail to practice it, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.
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Mandalas, however, offered students an opportunity to create something beautiful one line at a time, simply by repeating the same lines to form concentric circles. The practice was inherent in the process! Every time they completed their mandalas, students could step back and marvel at the beautiful artwork they had created.
When putting together this proposal, I knew I wanted to incorporate students from the community. While working as the Dean of Students at Duniway Middle School (2021-2023), I often saw students down on Third Street riding bikes, walking, or just hanging out. This part of town belongs to them as well, so involving them in a project that is both positive and beautiful seemed like a fitting way to allow them to give back to the community they are part of.
Art plays a powerful role in either dividing or uniting communities and people. The hope with this Mandala, inspired by the colors of Pinot Noir, is to achieve the latter. Historically, mandalas have been found in Hindu and Buddhist temples, offering worshipers a construct to pray through over days, weeks, months, or even years to reach an attribute or deity at the center, which would provide something to the worshiper. A prominent example is Borobudur, a Buddhist temple in Central Java, Indonesia, an architectural marvel as it is a physical mandala that worshipers can walk and pray through.
Given that the wall housing this mandala is adjacent to the exterior wall of Creekside Community Church, it is fitting to juxtapose this belief with the direct access people have to Jesus in the Christian faith, without delay or the need for works. Although rooted in faith practices, serving as a poignant reminder that humanity is always in search of something greater than itself, the mandala is most commonly found today in adult coloring books—an opportunity to participate in a rich tradition while spending a few moments in quiet, reflective peace.
I would like to extend my gratitude to Rona Aspholm, Duniway Art Teacher, community member, and artist, for rallying students and community members to help realize this mural. It has been a great honor to work alongside such talented and amazing artists on this mural and within the larger Art Alley Project. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to take part!