Celebrating Strength and Creativity with a Custom Mural at Alt Summit, Ace Hotel Palm Springs

Creating this custom mural for the Alt Summit Women’s Conference at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs was a project close to my heart. As a mural artist, I wanted to design something that would resonate with the inspiring, creative women gathered there—a piece that would reflect the strength, resilience, and vibrant spirit that define the Alt Summit community.

When I began designing this mural, I knew I wanted a powerful figure front and center. I envisioned her as a warrior—a modern, whimsical champion holding a banner with a message I believe in deeply: “You are stronger than you think.” I wanted her to be a reminder of the resilience we all carry within us, even when we doubt it.

Surrounded by a rainbow and bright stars, she stands as a beacon of hope and encouragement. The pastel colors, soft pink background, and starry accents were chosen to bring a feeling of warmth and lightness, balanced with the strength she embodies. The colors, while playful, are a nod to the calm confidence I see in so many women, especially in creative fields.

At the time I was supposed to paint this, I was battling a severe case of mononucleosis, and I could barely get out of bed, let alone paint a mural. I kept focusing on the message on the banner—“You are stronger than you think”—because I had made a commitment to myself and to Alt Summit. I would paint for a few minutes at a time and then lay down, my son, Cian, helped with the background. Many of the women attending Alt Summit have likely faced their own hurdles and moments of doubt, so I wanted this message to speak directly to them. It’s a reminder to embrace our inner strength, even when times are tough.

Seeing this mural at the Ace Hotel, surrounded by so many talented, inspiring women, was a surreal experience. It quickly became a popular backdrop for photos, a place where attendees could pause and reflect on the message. I loved watching people interact with it, whether taking a quiet moment or posing with friends. Knowing that it brought even a little bit of joy, strength, or inspiration to someone’s day means everything to me.

This project reinforced for me the importance of art in creating connections and fostering community. It’s a privilege to contribute a piece that can inspire others and be a small part of their journey. At its core, this mural is a tribute to all the women out there working hard, pushing boundaries, and lifting each other up. My hope is that this piece continues to inspire strength and self-belief, not only during the Alt Summit but long after.

Thank you to everyone who shared a moment with this mural. I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to bring a bit of my heart to Alt Summit and the amazing community it supports.

I am always looking forward to making custom artwork for events, whether it’s a mural in Palm Springs or a live drawing event in Portland, Los Angeles or New York!