YOU BELONG HERE
SPRINGFIELD, OH | 2024

“You Belong Here” was commissioned by the Westcott House, made possible by the Springfield Public Art Committee, Ohio Arts Council, Springfield School District + JY Originals. Through five community engagement sessions, the city + its people called for a bold statement, a way to acknowledge Springfield’s history while looking forward to a better + more inclusive future, a visual sense of welcoming/belonging, + a way to express potential for opportunity + community.

This geometric design welcomes curiosity with the abstract imagery resembling the word "BELONGING" as the focal point in the center. Shapes are met with the sky where they overlap as a visual metaphor that there is room for opportunity to be pursued where we intersect with one another.

The transition of the red line to a green line acknowledges the historical, political + harmful act of redlining communities, + putting forth the effort to make more unified decisions to create a more welcoming place for everyone.

Rings and 3D-like shapes represent the challenges + obstacles we are bound to face in the process of change. Young’s signature tribal triangles are sprinkled throughout as a motif for togetherness + support. A more whimsical detail is the pair of abstract eyes - the eye at the start is closed, the one toward the end is open. It is another subtle reminder of how we can elevate as a community when we are willing to look deeper, past our difference + are open to possibility. The overall takeaway is that you can be the light in the dark; potential lives in Springfield, + we invite you to be part of the solution + evolution.

Photos by Lazarus Toliver + Lo Houser