Light up the vAlley: Redefining one Alley at a Time

Light up the vAlley mural by Kiara Callahan. Image courtesy of Vaughan Arrington

North of East Warren, the passageway between Haverhill and Buckingham once represented the harsh reality of what many alleys in Detroit currently resemble: overgrown brush, endless litter, and numerous illegal activities.

The community organizer in Vaughan Arrington who’s all about uplifting spaces and impacting the lives of people for the better. He could no longer stand by and watch the space that is just outside his door continue to be a disturbance to our community.

With this in mind, Vaughan shared his thoughts with good friend and artist, Kiara Callahan. Kiara was anxiously awaiting the right opportunity to come along to showcase her next artistic endeavor. The privacy fence along the alley was the blank canvas awaiting Kiera’s next meaningful message of inspiration and hope.

Many thoughts were shared to redefine the alley for more than what it was accustomed to housing. “I have seen this alley contribute to crime, murder, and poverty,” says Vaughan. There was a shooting at Nino’s Market that resulted in the death of the victim. The weapon that was used in the crime was tossed in Vaughan’s backyard. At one point there was a woman living in the alley with literally all of her possessions.

With all the negative attributes that this space was once accustomed to, something with a message would be the start to change the narrative of what this alley once represented.

Kiara’s artistic approach is pairing it with a spiritual message. The verse that resonated with both Kiara and Vaughan for the mural is “Let God be your light, turn the darkness into life” from scripture Psalm 18:28.

“Anyone who comes through this alley that have the wrong intentions on their mind, they will have to think twice about their actions,” says Vaughan. The message of the mural isn’t going to sit right with them.

The work that Kiara has done truly inspired many here in Morningside. “I just wanted to capture the essence of the people here in Morningside,” says Kiara. I wanted to capture the Morningside community in the way that God looks at it. It’s full of love, support, and family. That’s what I wanted the mural to represent.

The Light up the vAlley mural is only in its first phase as the mural will extend along the privacy fence heading west towards Buckingham. The third and forth phase will be to adorn the rear of the Saunders Dry Cleaners, and eventually Nino’s Market with murals.

Vaughan envisions the concept of the Light up the vAlley mural easily being replicated along the other alleys bordering East Warren and eventually throughout the city.

“In this work I want to uplift Kiara so she can continue to inspire people in our community and inspire our kids with art,” says Vaughan.

To learn more of Kiara’s work, you can follow her on Instagram at: eyeam.kali.111.

Standing on top of Saunders Dry Cleaners. Image courtesy of Vaughan Arrington