09/28/2026
Introducing the Birnbaum Youth Home Mural and Installation Collaboration
We are excited to unveil a vibrant new mural and an imaginative installation at the Birnbaum Youth Home, created by artists Lillian Nelson and Elisha Harteis. Each artist brings their unique vision and heartfelt dedication to this space, fostering a sense of hope, inclusivity, and joyful remembrance.
Artist Statement: Lillian Nelson
The mural is meant to represent hope for the future and highlight the beauty in all of us. It is a celebration of the unique presence of every individual. The rainbow, arching above the scene, is a symbol of inclusivity and new beginnings. Much like the fresh air and sunlight after a rain shower, it suggests that vibrant possibilities are always waiting to be revealed.
Below the rainbow, the landscape pays homage to the natural beauty surrounding the Birnbaum Youth Home. The inclusion of the Aussie dog is a personal tribute to Mr. Birnbaum, while the boy depicted is a loose portrait of my son, representing the children whose lives are touched by this place.
The flowing composition and vibrant palette are designed to invite viewers in, encouraging a sense of belonging and optimism. Through the mural, I hope to spark feelings of joy and connection, and to remind us all of the fresh perspectives that can emerge after difficult times.
About the Artist: Lillian Nelson
Known as The Delusional Artist, Lillian Nelson is recognized for her ability to weave compelling visual narratives that balance beauty and unease. Her work employs the natural grain of wood and expansive murals to create immersive storytelling experiences. Lillian explores themes of memory, reality, and imagination, often integrating personal elements and local connections into her pieces.
Artist Statement: Elisha Harteis
This installation is rooted in the joy, love, and playfulness of Geoff Birnbaum. It is a celebration of the warmth so many of us experienced through him and the care he extended so freely to the people around him. Geoff was an enormous support in my life, but one of the things he championed most deeply was my art. He believed in me and my creativity wholeheartedly and encouraged me to continue making, growing, and imagining. It is an honor to create this installation in celebration of such a wonderful man.
My work seeks to create spaces where people can connect with their emotions. Through the interplay of figures, shapes, color, and density, I hope to offer a place, no matter how small, to pause and reflect on one’s experience, and, more importantly, to pause long enough to imaginatively tease out what might come next in the story.
This installation creates an internal narrative. At the top of the staircase, half-circle, bubbly cloud forms emerge from the wall as an Aussie pup bounds upward toward a suspended field of colorful bubbles, with trouble bunnies clinging on and joining the chaos. Hidden within the clouds, and scattered throughout the installation, are more trouble bunnies leaping through the air. Bright, almost candy-like bubbles cascade from a cold steel hanger, while mischievous bunnies frolic within their movement. In some ways, the bunnies are subject to the cascading force of the installation; yet through their playful mischief, each leap, bump, dangling arm, or accidental finger, they subtly alter its trajectory, jostling the bubbles into new and unexpected paths.
Much like the bunnies, I hope this installation creates an emotional connection and response, whether subtle or momentary, and allows those moments of delight to have a meaningful influence on the directions we choose. The playful chaos, movement, and color are intended to evoke delight, wonder, and warmth—the same qualities Geoff brought into the lives of so many around him.
About the Artist: Elisha Harteis
Elisha Harteis is a multidisciplinary artist whose work invites emotional connection and contemplation. Through sculpture and installation, she explores the power of color, movement, and narrative to evoke delight, curiosity, and introspection. Elisha’s practice is deeply rooted in community and personal relationships, drawing inspiration from those who encourage creative growth and joyful expression.
We invite you to visit the Birnbaum Youth Home during our Fall Fundraiser on Oct. 1 to experience these incredible works and celebrate the spirit of creativity and community they embody.
