Sarah had the opportunity to create a mural in our cafe, serving as a reminder of the unique and far reaching work done at the Friedman School. Each individual at this school enriches our community, learning environments, research, and ultimate impact beyond our walls.
Sarah shares her reflections here.
Most people don’t know that growing up I wanted to be an artist. Made it all the way to college with that, thinking I’d be an art teacher. But when I discovered food systems work, I pivoted my career and, in many ways, left that artistic side of myself behind. The challenges I was learning about — food insecurity, climate change, inequities in our agricultural systems — felt so urgent, so massive, that art seemed frivolous in comparison.
But during my time at Friedman, a class project made me think more deeply about the role of art in social change. Since then, I’ve been chewing on that question: Where does creativity fit into this work?
The truth is, art is often what opens our eyes to the world’s most pressing issues. It’s what first led me to food systems work — not a research paper or a policy brief, but a documentary that stopped me in my tracks. Art has a singular ability to cut through the noise, spark joy, instill hope, or even to challenge deeply held beliefs. It can make the invisible visible.
Looking back, I see that the moments when I’ve been able to bring my scientist and artist sides together have been the ones where I’ve created some of my best work — and felt most aligned with my purpose. Painting and designing this mural felt like coming full circle, a reminder that these two sides of me don’t have to exist separately. That they shouldn’t exist separately.
In a time of so much uncertainty, chaos, and dread, I intend to be more intentional about embracing this part of myself. I would argue that now, more than ever, we need art. We need creativity. We need the good.
And lastly, a huge shoutout of my fellow classmates that kept me sane through all of the layers of paint: Haley Fryling, Kate Morse, Lindsey Shank, Maddie Stein, and to Tim Griffin for building the panels and lending a workspace!
