A Hailey artist is creating free signs honoring the valley\u2019s immigrant community, aiming to spark compassion and unity through art.<\/p>\n
HAILEY, Idaho \u2014 In the Wood River Valley, art sparks a conversation about compassion, unity, and the unseen hands behind the community’s beauty.<\/p>\n
Hailey artist Jos\u00e9 Hurtado is using his creativity to honor the immigrant community, which he says is often overlooked.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s always been an immigrant population in Hailey,\u201d Hurtado said, pointing to Chinese railroad workers, Peruvian sheepherders and Mexican laborers who have all shaped the valley\u2019s history. \u201cI hope people feel compassionate and willing to include everybody in our community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hurtado designed a colorful sign depicting families of different generations alongside a flower being uprooted. It’s a symbol, he says, of migrants who provide resources and stability much like pollinator species do for Idaho’s ecosystem. He drew inspiration from Peruvian weaving and embroidery to highlight the cultural skills many immigrants bring with them.<\/p>\n
Hurtado says he’s already seen Hailey residents use his signs.<\/p>\n
\u201cI’ve seen it in a lot of people’s yards already. It’s exciting to see that people you know agree with this, like, kind of support that we are trying to foster, because it already exists here,\u201d Hurtado said.<\/p>\n
The artwork has resonated with residents like Deborah Knapp, who said the signs encouraged her to learn more about the immigrant experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is a powerful message that they are being uprooted, and we need to help them put those stakes in the ground, because we need them here,\u201d Knapp said. \u201cPutting a sign like this tells people, \u2018I support you, I\u2019m with you, you\u2019re not alone.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
The message of Hurtado\u2019s work is printed on the sign in both English and Spanish: \u201cTogether we stand as immigrants, family, neighbors and friends.\u201d<\/p>\n
For more information on the signs and the message behind it visit The Hunger Coalition<\/a> and\u00a0Idaho Recourse Immigrant Alliance\u2019s<\/a> Instagram page.<\/p>\n