On Tuesday, a mural was installed in memory of the children who lost their lives in the Holocaust. Artist Jane M. Hirsberg — a member of KI, a teacher in the Quest Noar program, and a member of the TJM Artists Collaborative — created the mural, inspired by the poem The Last Butterfly.
Jane shared these thoughts about her mural:
“My painting was created as a tribute to the memory, resilience, and the enduring light of children whose lives were cut short. Inspired by the poem The Last Butterfly, the work moves from darkness to color, from silence to motion, symbolizing the passage from loss toward hope. The silhouetted figures and barren tree reflect absence and grief, while the sunrise, butterflies, and flowers represent renewal and compassion. I painted this imagery to honor those who were lost while offering viewers a space to reflect, mourn, and still believe in the possibility of hope, compassion, and renewal.”
Jane’s husband, Steve, installed the mural on the brick wall of the Memorial Garden with Jane’s assistance. They are truly a wonderful team.
Please take some time to visit the KI Memorial Garden to view Jane’s painting. As you enter through the beautiful butterfly gates created by Doug Heath, also a member of KI and the TJM Artists Collaborative — you are welcomed into a very special space for reflection and meditation. Jane and Doug’s artworks contributes so much to the peaceful feeling of the garden, where one can sit quietly, admire the beautiful plants and trees as you and spend time with Jane’s moving mural.
Students from Quest Noar had the honor to be the first students to see Jane’s mural. Deb Rosen, director of JQuest and Quest Noar is excited to share this mural with future students as they learn about the Holocaust.
A very special thank you to the Glassman Family for funding the Butterfly Gate and the Holocaust Memory Mural.
