For my Capstone project, I created a short documentary exploring the impact of fashion, specifically focusing on fast fashion, thrift stores in Philadelphia, and the role of reselling. Throughout the process, I researched the history of thrift stores and the environmental effects of clothing waste, while also filming my own experiences thrifting, sewing, and reselling clothes on Depop. I visited multiple thrift stores, recorded footage, and included interviews to show different perspectives on secondhand shopping. My final product is a mini documentary that combines voiceover, videos, and real life examples to explain how clothing consumption affects the environment and how thrifting can be a more sustainable option. Through this project, I learned how to plan, film, and edit a documentary, as well as how to communicate a message clearly through both videos and voiceover. I also gained a better understanding of how everyday choices, like buying clothes, can have a larger impact than people realize

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13-r9mzPnSMYWH1vJOl_wcDijoUefhkzs/view?usp=drivesdk

For my capstone project, I explored the question: “How can public art communicate social and environmental issues within our communities?” I collaborated with Onna Richburg to create a mural of the Philadelphia skyline above a vibrant river representing the Schuylkill. The mural includes QR codes linking to a website Onna designed, which explains environmental challenges facing Philadelphia’s water systems, the watershed, and the Lenape people’s historical relationship with water—highlighting how that respect has been lost over time. We chose this project because of our connection to art and our experience growing up in a polluted city. We wanted to contrast that reality with a vision of clean, thriving water. My role was painting the mural, while Onna developed the website. We faced several challenges, including redefining our project to meet requirements and overcoming a lack of funding after missing a grant opportunity. After struggling to find supplies, we connected with a local mural activist who donated recycled paint, allowing us to continue while supporting sustainability. I spent over two months painting, revising, and refining the mural based on peer feedback. This project reflects SLA’s core values by encouraging inquiry, collaboration, and real-world impact. It invites viewers to reflect on environmental issues and take action. I’m proud of our resilience and growth, and I hope this mural inspires others to use creativity to raise awareness and make a difference in their communities.

(linked below: capstone slideshow with picture of mural, annotated bibliography linked on last slide) https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Pis1IB8islhGC6yALDbf5GGiCpwWsSMPV_9hOj-lo5g/edit?slide=id.p#slide=id.p