In the center of Los Chiles, a mural that was fading and crumbling was brought back to life. .Our mural, Borders Divide, Bridges Connect, now welcomes everyone who passes through the town terminal with color, strength, and meaning.
The restoration and redesign were led by Johnny, a Costa Rican Nicaraguan artist whose own identity reflects the interconnectedness of this region. He worked alongside Brigette, a Venezuelan asylum seeker and apprentice who now calls Los Chiles home. Together, they did more than paint. They transformed a surface that was breaking down into a symbol of unity and resilience.
Johnny not only guided the artistic vision of the mural, he also intentionally mentored Brigette throughout the process. He taught her new techniques, from surface preparation to layering and finishing, expanding her technical skills and artistic confidence. After the mural, Brigette signed her name alongside his. That moment mattered. It was recognition of her work, her growth, and her place in this community.
This apprenticeship was about more than art. It was about creating pathways. By learning professional mural techniques, Brigette gains new tools that can help her generate income, build independence, and support herself. Projects like this contribute to both economic opportunity and social integration. They affirm that newcomers are not just recipients of support but active contributors with talent, creativity, and leadership.
Los Chiles is a community shaped by movement. It is a place where borders are not abstract lines but lived realities. Families, workers, students, and asylum seekers all pass through this space. Borders can divide land and systems. They can create barriers and uncertainty. But bridges connect people. They create relationships, shared experiences, and collective strength.
Restoring the mural felt symbolic. A crumbling wall became something vibrant again. What was deteriorating became hopeful. The act of restoration mirrors the work happening every day in this community. People rebuilding their lives. Communities rebuilding trust. Students rebuilding narratives about migration and belonging.
This project was made possible in part through fundraisers organized by the University of Cincinnati College of Allied Health Sciences and the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing. Their support reflects a shared commitment to global health, social justice, and community partnership. Students and supporters came together not only to raise funds but to invest in a message that extends beyond a single wall.
VN students donated the mural as a gesture of gratitude to the community of Los Chiles. They come to learn about migration, sustainable development, and resilience. In return, they are welcomed with generosity and openness. This mural is a small way of giving back and honoring the dignity and strength of this border region.
Restoring this mural was more than an artistic project. It was a commitment to preserving beauty, strengthening community, and reminding everyone who walks by that while borders may divide territories, bridges unite people.