Build Hope Not Walls | “We’re Hope” Birch Wood Brick w/ acrylic paint

Build Hope, Not Walls is a collaborative art exhibition that brought together 150 artists from across the United States in October at Big Medium Gallery in Austin, Texas. The exhibition was created to support and uplift immigrants and refugees, using art as a way to build empathy, connection, and collective action.

Each artist was invited to create a single brick, transforming a symbol often associated with division into one of unity and care. Every brick reflects the artist’s individuality and serves as a reminder that everyone has something meaningful to contribute to society.

My brick was created as a collaboration under Inkbyte Studios. The piece depicts alebrijes crossing the border between Juárez, Chihuahua and El Paso, Texas, a place that holds deep significance for many immigrant families. The alebrijes, drawn from Mexican folk art traditions, represent imagination, resilience, and protection. In this work, they symbolize the hope of immigrants seeking safety and better opportunities for their families.

The exhibition also served as a fundraiser, with donations and brick purchases helping to reach a goal of $60,000. All proceeds went to partnering non profit organizations dedicated to supporting immigrants and refugees. Through this collective effort, Build Hope, Not Walls aimed to create both emotional and real world impact by offering hope, support, and the possibility of a fresh start.

Build Hope Not Walls Website