Artist Flo deBretagne works with residents at Willow Commons on three new murals

Local artist Flo deBretagne is back at it, bringing color and connection to the community — this time at Willow Commons, an intentional apartment community in Portola Valley where 16 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism live together.

From the very beginning, Flo ensured the residents they  were collaborators in the creative process. In early conversations, residents chose the theme for three new murals: local wildlife set in a landscape. Follow-up discussions helped determine which animals would take center stage — a bobcat, deer, and chipmunks. To visually connect the three murals, Flo added flying Canada geese soaring across each scene.

When the murals were complete, the project didn’t end there. Flo invited residents to create artwork of their own — painting on canvas or coloring on paper — using the finished murals as inspiration. The result was a vibrant and diverse collection of personal creations.

“Painting three murals and finding ways to have the residents own the project and collaborate with me was deeply moving and meaningful,” said Flo. “Whether my artwork is showcased in private homes, hospitals or murals that beautify low-income schools and housing, these projects are all very dear to me. But I admit the project at Willow Commons gave me some of the greatest satisfaction when I saw how much joy it brought to the residents.”

Photo courtesy Flo deBretagne