other Projects
Where Healing Takes Root
The Art & Science of Community Peacemaking
Inspired by research on gun and community violence, this triptych traces the far-reaching effects of violence while illuminating the perseverance, care, and collective action through which communities heal. Fractured glass and sidewalk memorial candles evoke lives lost and grief carried across families and neighborhoods. From the cracks, however, a flower emerges, affirming that beauty and healing can take root even amid structural inequity and enduring harm.
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On the right, a community violence intervention worker cradles a young tree nourished by the tears of a survivor, honoring the often-unrecognized labor of peacebuilding by trusted messengers, advocates, caregivers, and particularly Black and Brown women. On the left, a young man paints toward a soaring sparrow, while a vibrant mosaic reflects communities reclaiming their narratives and building new futures from many distinct histories. Sparrows move throughout the composition as symbols of resilience, joy, protection, and strength in community. Together, these images affirm that healing does not erase suffering or loss, but can grow from it through sustained care, creativity, and collective action.
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Where Healing Takes Root by Ruby Chacón, inspired by research by Dr. Nicole Dolores Kravitz-Wirtz with support from the Artist + Researcher (ARx) program in Sacramento.
Community Engagement
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Art sparks dialogue.
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