The Heartwarming Story of Southwest Michigan’s “Ja’Kobi’s Wings” Mural

Some murals blend into their surroundings. Not “Ja’Kobi’s Wings.” This vibrant work of art on the Fifth Street wall of the ARS Arts and Culture Center in the heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District commands attention. Its vivid colors, bigger-than-life fluttering butterflies, and Ja’Kobi’s hopeful gaze speak a thousand words, and you will “hear” something new every time you walk or drive by it. 

We talked with muralist Alex Ann Allen and 11-year-old Ja’Kobi to listen to their stories behind this remarkable work.  We hope you will “hear” their words whenever you see “Ja’Kobi’s Wings.”

Reflections from the Muralist

Hi, I’m Alex Ann Allen, a muralist based in South Bend, Indiana. My journey as a self-taught wall artist began in 2018, and since then I have painted more than 200 murals. My work spans outdoor and indoor spaces from South Bend to Michigan, Montana, and Pennsylvania. “Ja’Kobi’s Wings” is my first commissioned work in Southwest Michigan. Many of my murals feature bold geometric shapes, flowers, or portraits. I hope each mural draws residents and visitors into communities and their businesses all year round.

What was your inspiration?

When I was commissioned to paint a mural for the ARS wall, I was thrilled. I drew inspiration from Benton Harbor’s transformation. The city has so much resilience and hope. The butterflies symbolize its rebirth and the promise of more good things to come. 

Meeting Anna Russo-Sieber, the owner of ARS, was another spark of inspiration. Her passion for giving underserved children access to the arts resonated deeply with me. I wanted this mural to celebrate her mission, so I included one of her students in the design. 

The moment I met Ja’Kobi, I knew he would be the one. As a fifth grader, he is full of life and dreams of becoming a great artist. He has the creativity and artistic talent for his dreams to take flight, and I knew he embodies the hope I wanted this mural to convey. 

How do you paint a mural?

The process starts with preparation. I hired someone to prepare the wall — scrape, patch, protect the windows, and prime it with white house paint. Next, I sketched the mural design and got approval from Anna. I then projected the design onto the wall and painted the background with a Graco commercial sprayer. I then brought the details to life — the butterflies and Ja’Kobi — with Loop Colors spray cans. 

Can you share a couple of fun facts?

While working on “Ja’Kobi’s Wings,” it was featured in a Wall Street Journal’s “Quirky Canvas” article. That was very exciting. 

Another fun fact: Murals have a surprising mental health benefit. Especially during the winter, they uplift spirits and bring joy to people of all ages. I encourage everyone to drive around Southwest Michigan and let the murals do their magic! 

Any closing thoughts?

It’s the best feeling ever to paint a mural like “Ja’Kobi’s Wings” and know it made a difference in his life and is bringing new life and new people to Benton Harbor. 

I also want to thank Anna for all her support and encouragement during the two weeks I worked on the mural. The temperatures ranged from 40 to 80 degrees! Her spirit of elevating her community through art inspires me to see the good my work does, too. 

Ja’Kobi’s Revelations

My name is Ja’Kobi. I was born in Kalamazoo, Mi. I was premature, weighing just two pounds — so tiny I could fit in my mom’s hand. I stayed in the hospital for three months before coming home to Benton Harbor just in time for Christmas. 

My mom says each of her children is different. For example, my brother Zion loves baseball, my sister Jordyn loves dancing, my baby sister Evonni loves to pretend to cook, and me? I love art and soccer. 

When did you find out you were an artist?

I started at four years old. I attended the Readiness Center. The first thing I ever drew was a cowboy — a really buff one who could flex his mustache muscles! After that, I couldn’t stop. I started watching videos to learn how to draw different things. At one point, I was obsessed with Sonic characters, and later, Spiderman. My Spiderman drawings were everywhere — in notebooks, on the walls — my Stepdad painted my room blue with a 3D Spiderman coming out of the wall!

Then I thought I needed to draw different characters and started sketching anime characters and I practiced drawing real people.

How did you learn about the art classes at ARS?

I go to the Readiness Center’s after-school program called City Kids. Ms. Martha told me about the ARS art classes and summer camp. I’ve been taking them every chance I get for the past year.

Why do you like taking the classes?

The classes help me to express my feelings. It helps me get along with my peers. I meet kids from other schools and learn teamwork.

Being creative makes me happy. I like showing my creations to my family and teaching them what I know about art. Mrs. Anna has taught me about art history and different tribes. Recently, I learned how to make sculptures with clay. 

The sculpture I created represented my feelings and how I felt. I was a little upset and I am taught to breathe in and out when angry. So, I gave my sculpture nostrils!

My art classes inspire me to learn about other things, too.

What are your thoughts about being chosen to be on the “Ja’Kobi’s Wings” mural?

I feel like a celebrity! It looks accurate — just like me. She took many pictures of me looking at the sun but chose the best for the wall. I am looking at the butterflies. I saw how she painted the walls and someday I want to learn how to spray paint, too.

I was so excited when I got picked to be on the wall. I got to go to the ribbon cutting on Nov. 16. They used big, old scissors. My family came to the ribbon cutting and I received a lot of gifts, mainly art supplies. I got $50 from my dad that I could spend any way I wanted. My mom says she is so proud of me and loves driving by the mural all the time.

What are your future dreams?

I want to be a teacher when I grow up, but I do want to be an artist as well. So I’ll do both. I want to sell my art. I’m even okay with being a mentor to other kids who want to be an artist like me. 

Mom, what are your thoughts about Ja’Kobi being featured on the mural?

When I found out that Ja’Kobi was going to be featured on the mural, I said “YES! They recognized my baby’s artistic talent.” He’s a really good kid. Being on the mural is a new beginning for Ja’Kobi. He’s looking to the future.

During Your Visit, Complete the Murals Challenge

“Ja’Kobi’s Wings” is just one of dozens of murals waiting for you to discover in communities throughout Southwest Michigan. Each mural tells a unique local story — some are whimsical, others historical, inspirational, or thought-provoking. They beg you to stand before them and take a photo — exactly what we hope you do! 

Here’s your challenge. Visit at least 10 murals, take selfies, and earn rewards! The Mural challenge kicks off every October 1 and runs until the first 100 participants claim all the prizes. 

Ready to play? Here’s how to join the fun. 

With so many murals to see and fun things to do in between, why not spend a night or more in our welcoming lodgings? You will find a place with the rates and amenities you want — close to several murals — including the heartwarming “Ja’Kobi’s Wings.” 

Stay Awhile with Us