Building Together: The Start of the Kerr County Love Project

Kerr County Love Project: A Community Gathering

The Kerr County Love Project began with an inspiring first meeting organized by Wanda Montemayor and her Community Arts team, including Katharine Boyette from Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau, and graciously hosted by Lisa Jones of Colors of Clay. The studio provided a warm and beautiful space for us to share tamales, connect, and dream together about a community mosaic that will honor the creativity and resilience of Kerr County.

We were joined by art teachers from Hunt, Ingram, and Kerrville ISD, along with more than 15 local artists who brought their energy and vision to the project. Together with other community members, participants contributed over 100 handmade tiles during the gathering, while brainstorming themes for the mural and identifying groups who would benefit from participating in tile-making sessions. Imagery suggested included deer, bald cypress trees, boots, river rocks, campers, antlers, and birds—symbols of the land and culture that define Kerr County. Groups named for outreach included first responders and volunteers, dispatchers, nursing homes, the community foundation, and the Hunt Store post.  Educators were also introduced to rhythmic egg shakers as a simple, playful way to help students regulate energy, release stress, and engage more fully in the creative process.

We were honored to welcome Elaine Valenzuela—one of the lead artists and educators from the Uvalde Love Project—and Coach Silva, who was at Robb Elementary on May 24, 2022. They came to offer encouragement and peer support to Kerr County teachers, sharing both empathy and inspiration. Elaine’s words reminded us that while the aftermath of trauma can feel daunting, community art has the power to help us move forward together, step by step, with hope.

Elaine Valenzuela (left), Coach Silva (right)

Lead therapist Meagan Butler has coded the data collected from this meeting and prepared a review to ensure accuracy, set priorities, and guide the direction for future workshops. Accessibility, mindfulness, and inclusivity are at the heart of this project, ensuring that people of all ages and abilities can take part. The panel also agreed that the mural should avoid triggering imagery, instead offering a vision of joy, resilience, and hope for the community.

The group’s next meeting is planned for October (date TBD soon), where we will continue tile-making while discussing the best ways to organize and create a “train-the-trainer” model that empowers community members to lead sessions. Lisa Jones and Jennifer Daschel will be firing the tiles and have generously offered to host the next event in their space. At the same time, we are securing financial partnerships to fund supplies and equip teachers and community organizers with tools, such as clay supplies, to bring tile-making into group settings.

Through this project, we are reminded that mosaic-making is a metaphor for healing itself—slow, deliberate, and rooted in connection. Though this is only the beginning of our journey, the energy is magnetic and full of possibility. At its heart, the Kerr County Love Project is about slowing down, making art, and sitting together in community—because communities that create together also rebuild and reimagine together.

Together in joy and resilience,

Kerr County Love Project

Clay tile made by Kerr County Community Member

Community Resources:

We also recognize that these gatherings are an important opportunity for community leaders to share resources and upcoming events that support Kerr County residents. At this meeting, details about a Community Town Hall: Floodplain 101, hosted by the Kerr County Water Alliance in partnership with the Texas Floodplain Management Association. The event will take place on Tuesday, September 30, from 3:30–6:00 PM at the Guadalupe Basin Natural Resources Center.

Community members are encouraged to attend to learn more about local floodplain management and its impact on our region. Additional information is available at KerrCountyWaterAlliance.org.