Christi Ballentine, Owner Bucci Boutique

"This mural on the side of Bucci Boutique is incredibly special to me. It represents several years of collaboration between my dear friend Suzanne Vann and myself. Throughout our work on this project, Suzy often expressed doubts about ever being able to complete it. I never quite understood why she felt that way, but I continued to push for its completion.

The heartbreaking reason behind Suzy's uncertainty became clear only after her death. I knew then that this painting had to come to life, not just for Bucci Boutique, but to celebrate Suzy's life and to bring awareness to mental illness. 

Enter Mallory, a gifted artist whose portfolio immediately resonated with us. We knew she was the one to bring our vision to life. The only element missing from the sketches Suzy and I had discussed was a crown, which Mallory added beautifully. Her skillful interpretation and artistic talent transformed our concept into a breathtaking mural that exceeded all our expectations.

We couldn’t have been more pleased with the final product. We held the mural’s unveiling in conjunction with a suicide awareness event, which brought many people from our community together. It was a beautiful opportunity to celebrate the Suzy we all loved and to encourage others to speak up, letting them know it’s okay to not be okay.

Mallory’s exceptional work not only captured the essence of what Suzy and I envisioned but also added a new layer of depth and beauty. Her artistry and sensitivity made this mural a true masterpiece, and we are forever grateful for her contribution to this heartfelt project."