The Story of Kokomo Urban Outreach: From a Beating Heart to a World Illuminated
About the Artist: Deana Sparks Thompson
We are incredibly fortunate to house a sweeping collection of murals by visionary artist Deana Sparks Thompson. While Deana’s roots trace back to Greentown, Indiana, she spent over 30 years honing her craft under the expansive skies of Texas. Now back home, Deana’s influence on our building goes far deeper than pigment on plaster—from room layout to the flow of furniture, she helped shape this environment so the physical space and the art exist in perfect harmony.
Mural 7: A Life in Bloom
Location: MiniUP Huddle Room
Visual Marker: 3D Paper Flowers & Butterflies
"The KUO story ends with a life in full bloom—a beautiful, multi-layered reality where our children soar like butterflies. They are strong because, like a butterfly, they struggled to be set free."
Growth requires effort. Just as a butterfly gains strength by pushing through its cocoon, our youth build resilience through real work initiatives and daily challenges. The struggle is where their strength is born—leading to a life in full, vibrant bloom.
