ARTIST: LISA MARIE THALHAMMER

Lisa Marie Thalhammer is an award-winning visual artist, LGBTQ activist, and the Creative Director of Lisa Marie Studio. Her work often depicts inspirational imagery and harmonious rainbow spectrums, authentically communicating messages of persistence, equity and love. She employs an array of mediums, including paper, canvas and mural walls, always to uplift and empower. Born and raised in the American heartland of St. Louis, Missouri, Lisa Marie studied fine art at the Art Institute of Chicago and the University of Kansas before moving to Washington D.C. where she has painted more than a dozen murals including “The LOVE Mural,” which is among the most famous and photographed murals in D.C..

Lisa Marie Thalhammer paints murals that frequently depict rainbow spectrums communicating messages of love, hope and strength. The artist believes it’s crucial to paint a narrative that showcases St. Louis as a community where we unite to support and care for one another. The mural was created in a paint-by-number style, allowing both the staff of Platypus, where the mural is located, as well as community members to contribute.

The work conveys the positive values of love and respect that define our city’s spirit. The Grove has long been a sanctuary for the LGBTQ2+ community, which continues to be vital in the current political and social climate. This mural is not just desired but essential in redesigning the narrative and providing a safe, inclusive space for all to gather and create.

This mural represents the creation of a LGBTQ2+ safe destination location and photo backdrop. Similar projects painted throughout the country have helped neighborhoods boom, bringing an Instagram-worthy campaign with a message of LOVE seen by many.

This mural represents a different kind of currency—one that enriches our collective soul and revitalizes our community spirit. This kind of impact resonates by reaching those who will be drawn to connect with it and to our city and by creating a tourist hotspot that will help our businesses, neighborhoods and individuals heal and thrive in this St. Louis destination.