Anythink Brighton Unveils New Mural by Deaf Artist with KissFist

This fall, Anythink Brighton teamed up with KissFist Mural Fest, an organization dedicated to promoting Deaf culture through creative works, to unveil a new mural for the library called “Canopy of Connections.” Ellen Mansfield, a Deaf artist from Maryland, created the work displayed in the children’s section, which was revealed to the public on Nov. 12.

“Through KissFist, we’re celebrating Deaf culture while creating opportunities that are truly inclusive,” said KissFist founder Kate Fitzpatrick. “This mural at Anythink is a reminder that art can spark conversation across languages and communities.”

Founded in 2024, KissFist Mural Fest is a Denver-based organization held in the RiNo Art District that celebrates the Deaf community. It’s the first festival in Colorado to highlight Deaf and hard-of-hearing artists. The name “KissFist” comes from an American Sign Language phrase meaning to love or enjoy something immensely.  

Fitzpatrick, a child of Deaf adults (CODA), created a space that celebrates the Deaf culture through the arts, pays artists a fair wage for their work and creates a temporary ‘third space’ that is fun, family-friendly and accessible to people with disabilities.

“We started thinking about how to expand programming for KissFist beyond Denver, and that’s how this partnership began,” she said. “They had this nook in their children’s area in Brighton that they wanted a mural in, so it worked out pretty well that we were able to develop both the exhibit and also have a mural.” 

The mural is part of KissFist Mural Fest: Behind the Scenes at Anythink, an exhibit running through Dec. 19 that highlights the artistic process of muralists from the Deaf community. The atmosphere at the unveiling of Mansfield’s mural at Anythink Brighton on Nov. 12 was electric, with children and adults eagerly anticipating what was behind the curtain. As anticipation built, Mansfield shared the inspiration behind her work.

“My favorite activity, my refuge, is the woods,” Mansfield said. “When I came to Colorado, I fell in love with the aspen trees. I studied the colors of the library and wanted everything to bloom together.”

The mural design exemplifies this vision. Mansfield created a mural with bright colors, tulips and hand leaves that looks into the woods, giving the children a place to express their imagination and energy while connecting with books. The artwork represents what a library provides to the community: creativity and curiosity.

“It’s such a beautiful mural and a great addition to the children’s section,” a guest shared. For Mansfield, the artwork represents more than beauty on a wall. It reflects the idea of communication and inclusion, inviting people from all walks of life through art. 

“I hope people go in and make conversation from it,” Mansfield said. “In any culture, in any language.”

The piece’s creation was not without its challenges. Mansfield discussed the physical demands of large-scale painting and how she had to modify her technique to overcome these challenges.

“I didn’t set up my timeline correctly,” she said. “I thought I could finish certain things in two weeks, but my hands were saying otherwise. I had to learn how to rest and recover so I could keep painting.”

In addition to the unveiling, there were refreshments and American Sign Language activities for kids to participate in, fostering greater community connections and providing a space for them to do so. “I really think that this really resembles what this library should stand for and what art stands for,” Mansfield said. 

“Canopy of Connections” will be a permanent installation at Anythink Brighton, serving as a reminder of the power that art and communication possess. Meanwhile, KissFist Mural Fest hopes to expand and collaborate with additional community spaces in Colorado. 

“The Deaf community can sometimes feel spread out,” Fitzpatrick said. “Creating a central event where people can hang out, meet and connect would be ideal.”