In a warm church basement, a new mural taking shape on Milwaukee’s South Side is more than just a work of art, it’s a reflection of the people who helped create it. Muralist Tia Richardson said that is her goal.
Richardson, founder of Cosmic Butterfly Design, has spent more than two decades creating over 50 collaborative murals across Milwaukee. She uses her art as a tool for connection, healing and self-expression, for both herself and all those who view it.
“I came up with the name ‘Cosmic Butterfly’ to represent transformation,” Richardson said. “It’s a symbol for what I’m trying to do with my work: transform spaces and how we feel about ourselves, our communities and nature.”
She founded her business in 2003 as a freelance graphic designer. Over time, her work expanded into teaching opportunities and community collaboration.
“Teaching has always been a passion of mine,” Richardson said. “My work evolved as I evolved.”
That evolution grew from her personal experiences. Richardson said she struggled with isolation and depression as a teenager, but found comfort through art.
“Art was something I had that helped me with that,” Richardson said. “I find that a lot of people struggle with the same things.”
Today, her murals are specifically designed to bring people together. Through community workshops, participants identify challenges in their communities and imagine solutions. Participants are encouraged to create drawings that help shape Richardson’s final design.
“It reflects a much broader perspective than just what I, as an artist, see or want,” Richardson said.
Richardson describes her work as “living art,” created through participation and shared energy. She recalls one early project when a participant said the mural felt like “it was giving her a hug.”
“People actually get to touch the art and paint,” Richardson said. “It’s very therapeutic.”
Her latest mural reflects that same approach.
The mural, which will be installed at The Table, 5305 W. Capitol Drive, is for The Greater Milwaukee Synod led by Bishop Paul D. Erickson.
“We’re focusing on the theme of collaboration this year, so we wanted a project that we could work on together,” Erickson said.
Erickson selected Richardson based on her previous work for some of their congregations, who said they enjoyed her community-centered process.
Richardson held a design workshop on Feb. 7 where community members contributed to the mural’s concept. About 40 people attended a follow-up event on March 7 where they helped paint the base layers of the mural.
Working alongside Richardson was Luciano Lucente, an 18-year-old high school student who trained under her through a program Richardson did with the Milwaukee Christian Center.
“It’s a really great opportunity for an artistic person like myself,” Lucente said. “I get to participate in my community and see different parts of the city.”
For Richardson, the impact goes beyond the finished mural.
“We want unity. We want young people to feel better about themselves,” Richardson said.
After more than 20 years, she continues to see her work as a way to build pride and possibility.
“When we come together, we have collective power,” Richardson said. “It’s about self-esteem and community pride.”
Jonathan Aguilar is a visual journalist at Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service who is supported through a partnership between CatchLight Local and Report for America.
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