Ariuburti at Littlewood Elementary School!

What a joy it's been to watch Ariuberti's latest project come alive at Littlewood Elementary School here in Gainesville! I have admired her work for years, and was thrilled to hear she was offering a limited number of discounted murals to public schools in our area.

We were lucky enough to be selected, so she then got to work collecting feedback from our teachers and administrators before creating the design. Reoccurring themes included: the school mascot(s), a love for nature, bright colors, and the fox that has been making appearances on campus lately.

She was kind enough to answer a few questions for me:

1. At what point did you realize that art was going to be your career?

I discovered art by accident. In 2014 , after falling from a tree and being forced to slow down and rest, I began drawing as a way to pass the time. What started as something unexpected quickly became a constant in my life something I kept returning to no matter what else was happening. Over time, I saw how my work connected with people emotionally, made them smile, and even brought comfort. That’s when I understood that art wasn’t just something I loved doing, but something I could pursue with purpose and intention.

2. Did you always have the same style as you do now? How has it evolved with time?

My style has evolved, but there are elements that have always been there. I’ve always worked with bold, black lines they’ve been a part of my visual language. In the beginning, everything I created was black and white. Can you believe it !? Over time, color slowly entered my work and became essential. Today, my style is much more colorful, joyful, and expressive, while still holding onto those strong lines that connect my early work to what I create now.

3. How do you derive inspiration for a design?

Inspiration comes from everyday life: nature, emotions, memories, conversations, and even difficult experiences. I’m especially inspired by the idea of creating small moments of happiness. Sometimes a feeling or a story sparks an image, and from there I let intuition guide the design.

4. What has been your favorite project to work on?

It’s hard to choose just one, but my favorite projects are those that allow me to create something meaningful for a community or a cause. Projects where art goes beyond decoration and becomes a way to connect, heal, or bring people together are the most fulfilling for me.

5. What has been your favorite part of the Littlewood School project?

My favorite part of the Littlewood School project has been knowing that my art lives in a space where children learn, grow, and imagine. Being able to contribute to an environment that encourages creativity and joy on a daily basis is incredibly rewarding.

Ari truly brought the themes to life in our freshly renovated cafeteria, and I love that her beautiful creation will be enjoyed by so many children for years to come! Thank you for sharing your creativity, passion, and generosity with us!