What does inclusive public art look like when it comes from lived experience?
In this episode of Coffee Can’t Fix Everything, I sit down with Marissa Hernandez—a artist from the Des Moines art scene—to talk about mental health, faceless portraits, and how her murals bring representation and healing to public spaces across Iowa.
Topics we cover:
- Art and identity in the Iowa art community
- Mental health and creativity as a BIPOC artist
- Why faceless portraits create deeper emotional connection
- Community-driven art and youth collaboration
- Navigating the art industry and pricing your work fairly
- How murals can empower young artists and change public spaces
If you care about mental health in the arts, representation in public art, or just want a powerful story on how art can be a voice for the voiceless, you need to watch this.
💬 Join the conversation in the comments:
What kind of representation is missing in your city’s public art?
Subscribe for more stories blending mental health, culture, and community.
#MentalHealthPodcast #BIPOCArtist #DesMoinesArtScene #FacelessPortraits #PublicMurals #ArtAndRepresentation #CoffeeCantFixEverything
What is Coffee Can't Fix Everything ?
Grab a cup of coffee and join Corey Dion Lewis, community health champion and founder of Healthy Project Media, for candid conversations about mental health. On Coffee Can’t Fix Everything, we sit down with guests from the community—leaders, advocates, and everyday people—to have real, unfiltered discussions about mental health, wellness, and the struggles we all face. No scripts. No pre-planned topics. Just open and honest dialogue over a good cup of coffee. Because while coffee helps, it can’t fix everything.