Meet the Artists

who will bring inspiring stories of bridge-building to life

Jacqueline
Claudet-Mitterer

Jacqueline Claudet-Mitterer (b. 1971 Lima-Peru) earned a BBA from the University of Lima and an MBA dual degree from PUC-Chile and UCLA. She immigrated to the United States in 2000, married and started a family. Jacqueline's distinctive approach to mosaic art infuses traditional techniques with a painter's sense of perspective, creating three-dimensional works that captivate viewers. This innovative approach not only redefines the boundaries of mosaic art but also establishes Mitterer as a pioneer in the medium.

Artist Statement: I believe creative energy or grace pours from within when we struggle. This force is light, genuine and to me uncontainable. I want my work to convey the infinite power of healing through color, and the interdependent relationship between past and future, despair and hope, sadness and joy.

As an immigrant, I know firsthand that community is key to truly integrating into a new country. To build that community, one must have a voice. When I first arrived in the United States, my limited English left me feeling voiceless, both at work and socially. As my language skills improved, my circle of friends expanded, and I was able to contribute my talents and energy to strengthen my neighborhood and adopted hometown of Dallas. This journey took decades. Adriana is helping immigrants bridge the language gap by teaching them to use technology from day one. Every successful immigrant story I’ve heard underscores the importance of bridge builders like Adriana Portillo. Her unwavering passion for empowering the immigrant community in Dallas has profoundly impacted countless individuals, helping them integrate and contribute to our city.

Jessica Bell

Jessica Bell is a contemporary sculptor based in Dallas, TX, known for her dynamic public and community art installations. Bell’s sculptural practice is defined by bold, playful forms and a luxurious use of materials, often incorporating elements that invite interaction. Her approach emphasizes storytelling, engagement, and a deep connection to place, making her work a vibrant and meaningful part of the public sphere. She has received numerous accolades, including the Red Bull Micro Artist Grant and the Juanita J. Craft Artist Residency, and has been featured in publications such as the Dallas Morning News, Paper City Magazine, and Glasstire.com.

I was drawn to this project because of its strong community art focus. My practice is rooted in fostering engagement, storytelling, and accessibility through sculpture. I am passionate about creating works that bring people together, spark curiosity, and reflect the identity of a place. This project aligns with my belief that public art should be both visually compelling and deeply connected to the communities it serves.

Sadaf Munshi

As a multi-disciplinary artist and documentary linguist of Kashmiri origin, my artistic journey has been shaped by a deep appreciation for both visual and verbal expressions. My background as a self-taught visual artist has allowed me to experiment with various mediums, including oil, watercolor, and multimedia, each serving as a unique vessel through which I can explore the intricate interplay between language and art. My first solo exhibition, which was organized by the Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in 2014, marked a significant milestone in my artistic career, as it was the first of its kind by a female artist of Kashmiri descent. In my artistic practice, I strive to delve into the transformative power of both verbal and visual arts. I am particularly drawn to the challenge of pushing my creative boundaries, often venturing into new dimensions such as traditional arts and calligraphy. This exploration allows me to navigate the delicate balance between order and chaos, two primordial aspects of existence that continuously inform my work. Each piece I create is a reflection of my encounters with the world around me—be it through interactions with people, the beauty of everyday objects, or the nuances of my environment. These experiences serve as a wellspring of inspiration, motivating me to forge deeper connections through my art.

I am very excited to be part of the Who Are Our Neighbors? art project. My inspiration to participate in this amazing project stems from the opportunity to highlight the stories of people who bring our communities together through empathy and understanding. Art has an incredible power to transcend barriers, spark meaningful dialogue, nurture understanding among individuals of varying backgrounds, and foster community connections. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to collaborate with the diverse consortium of partners in Dallas. The opportunity to create an artwork which reflects the contributions of the bridge-builders in our community perfectly aligns with my artistic vision of creating spaces where diverse voices can be heard and appreciated. I am particularly drawn to the project's emphasis on inclusivity and healing through artistic expression. By participating in this initiative, I hope to contribute to a collective narrative, a meaningful endeavor, which celebrates our diversity and our shared humanity, encouraging unity and facilitating peace. I look forward to bringing these important
stories to life through my art and fostering connections that resonate within the Dallas community.

Judy Schecter

I have been on a creative journey for most of my life, drawn initially to the fiber arts and creative writing. I began working with fused glass in 2009, exploring the various techniques and properties that
one can use in creating art with warm glass through classes and workshops. In 2011 I joined with other fused glass artists in the Dallas area as a Founding Member of La Hoya Glass Artist Studio. Most recently I have been studying and working with Encaustic plaster formations and monotypes. I most enjoy creating pieces that combine both my love for fused glass and encaustic (melted wax), finding the play of colors fascinating, fluid and transformative in the multiple ways they can be used and combined to convey an artistic story. Over the years, I have participated in the North Dallas Artist Tour, a number of art show and gallery shows.

I was inspired to be a part of this project because I continue to be overwhelmed by the atrocities happening in the world, random school shootings of innocent children, hateful speech because we disagree, and then it hit home for me - the events of October 7. Violent reprehensible actions of a group of extremists targeting innocent people - Jews attending a music festival. Jews in their homes then – retribution – Palestinians in theirs – What does violence lead to but more violence? Why has it become so normalized? I continue to question why this world seems trapped in a cycle of hatred, division, prejudice, and disdain. What is happening to us? What would it take to break this cycle of chaos and allow us to breathe freely – just be. As reasonable people we must be bridge builders not bridge burners. Where is our compassion, reflection, conversation, understanding, and humanity?

Alija Almosawi

Alija Almosawi is an Iraqi-Bosnian American artist whose work explores themes of identity, culture, and social justice through the lens of personal and collective history. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in sculpture at the University of Texas at Arlington, Alija specializes in mixed media, incorporating metal, glass, wood, and fiber arts into her work.

Drawing from her background as the daughter of Muslim refugees displaced by war and genocide, Alija’s work reflects the complexity of her intersectional identity. Her sculptures serve as a tool of resistance and healing, honoring her heritage while challenging systems of oppression. With a commitment to fostering dialogue through art, Alija plans to pursue a master's degree in Sculpture and continue her path as an educator, empowering others through creative expression and critical engagement.

Jim Hastings

Jim Hastings is a Dallas native. He earned a BFA in Painting and Drawing from the Kansas City Art Institute, and a MA in Art Education from the University of North Texas. He has been a working artist and teacher for the last 25 years.

Jim writes, "My artwork is primarily figurative, with a focus on portraiture and family relationships.

Human interactions, comedy, and honest depictions of life are what I’m constantly trying to find as I makes pictures. When people look at my drawings or paintings, I hope they see something familiar. There are so many aspects of our lives that are universal, and yet we often feel alone. I hope that people will see themselves laying on a couch or working in the yard or helping a child get ready for bed."

Jim is married and the father of 5 children,
who keep him very busy!

Lucinda Akin

My name is Lucinda Akin, and I am a student at the University of Texas at Arlington majoring in History. I am a mixed-media traditional artist, and I have been drawing for as long as I could hold a pencil. I enjoy creating characters and using bright colors or patterns in my work.

I was inspired to join this project to contribute to the Dallas community with my art. I wanted to represent a member of the community whose story was untold. I am honored to commemorate Bindu Lanka’s ability to bring people together in addition to her work as a chaplain and a poet. Being a part of the “Who Are Our Neighbors?” project has allowed me to share my work while recognizing a strong and inspiring Bridge Builder.

Samina Hooda

Samina Hooda is an artist, educator, and entrepreneur whose creative journey began during her studies in Architecture, where she developed a deep appreciation for art as a powerful expression of human values and imagination. Her work is rooted in a sense of connection, drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature, the complexity of human experience, and the richness of diverse cultures. Using acrylics, graphite, and charcoal, she creates pieces that invite reflection and dialogue between aesthetics and meaning. Samina’s art has been showcased in solo exhibitions, national juried
festivals, and public art initiatives with organizations such as the City of Dallas Office of Arts & Culture, the Thanks-Giving Foundation, and Lincoln Crossroads Music Festival. Two of her works are on permanent display in the office of a Texas State Representative.

“I am deeply moved by the ‘Who Are Our Neighbors?’ project, as it celebrates remarkable individuals who nurture human growth and weave bonds of understanding. My artwork will be a humble homage to Velma Mitchell’s luminous story—one anchored in love, service, resilience, and the grace of transcending divides. I hope my art echoes her generous spirit and stirs a sense of shared humanity through the power of her journey.”