The Power of Community

When you’re struggling, it can be hard to ask for help. But here in downtown McKinney, we have something special: The Power of Community.

This project includes five murals, each one highlighting the heart of what Community Lifeline does, providing food, housing, utilities, and hope to those in need. My goal was to use bright, joyful colors to help this dull brown building stand out and to bring happiness to the customers, volunteers, and the neighborhood around it.

During the creation process, Community Lifeline joined forces with The Samaritan Inn, marking a new chapter for both nonprofits. That timing felt meaningful, like the art was witnessing a transformation in real time.

This mural represents connection, compassion, and the strength of people coming together. It’s a reminder that when one person reaches out, and another responds, the ripple can reach far beyond what we see.

🎨 Title: The Power of Community

🤝 Location: 1601 N Waddill St #102, McKinney, TX 75069

💛 Partners: Community Lifeline @communitylifeline, The Samaritan Inn @thesamaritaninncollincounty, Albertsons Tom Thumb Foundation, McKinney Arts Grant Commission

📸 Photography: Ryan Hise

🧑‍🎨 Mural Assistants: @vondidart2 @lessleeortegaart

🔨 Install Team: @signarama_mckinneytx

✨ Special thanks: @allison.f.monroe for the perfect timing and kismet that brought this project to life

How Creativity Fuels Growth: A Conversation with Elizabeth Mahusay

What if creativity isn’t about paintbrushes or talent but about the choices you make every day?

That’s the question we explored in my recent conversation with Elizabeth Mahusay on her podcast Thinking That Matters. Together, we unpacked what it truly means to live creatively—whether you’re running a business, leading a team, or simply trying to think differently in your day-to-day life.

For me, creativity has never been confined to the studio. It’s about decision-making, resilience, and finding new ways to see what’s possible. In this episode, we talk about how creativity isn’t just something you’re born with—it’s something you practice.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

• Why creativity is really just decision-making—and how to apply it in business and life

• How to move past limiting beliefs like “I’m not creative”

• What it takes to turn your passion into a sustainable career

• How reframing your past experiences can prepare you for future success

• The power of persistence, play, and self-kindness in cultivating growth

Elizabeth and I also dive into my own journey—from juggling multiple jobs to becoming a full-time mural artist. We talk about how technology has become a surprising part of my process and how I’ve learned to transform challenges into opportunities.

✨ Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or leader, this conversation will reignite your creativity and remind you that the seeds you plant today can grow into something extraordinary.

🎧 Listen to the episode here:How Creativity Fuels Growth with Andrea Holmes

Wings of Nevada: My Carson City Mural Story

Mural number 7 of 100 is complete in my Wings Across the World project!

You can find it at 110 Ann St. in Carson City, created as part of the Carson City Murals and Music Festival @carsoncitymuralsandmusic . This piece features a Green-tailed Towhee, Nevada’s state bird the Mountain Bluebird, along with beaver tail cactus and sage.

This mural is also part of the Audubon Mural Project, a national public art initiative by the Audubon Society that highlights birds at risk from climate change. Audubon scientists have found that 389 bird species in North America may lose the habitat and food they need to survive if warming continues at the current pace. The good news is that nearly 300 of those species could be less vulnerable if we take action now!

Thank you @vondidart2 for assisting! We even had a little time to visit friends at Lake Tahoe and take a hike up to Kings Canyon Watercalls! It was also great meeting Julie from Lahontan Audubon Society @lahontanaudubon! Shoutout to Eric for coordinating the event!

📍 Location: Carson City, Nevada🎨 Birds Featured: Green-tailed Towhee & Mountain Bluebird🕊 Part of: Wings Across the World 100 Bird Mural Project

📸 Follow the journey: @aholmesartstudio🌐 Learn more: aholmesartstudio.com