Jenny Ustick

This mural honors Maria Occhipinti, a formidable Sicilian woman who became well known when she put her own life at risk trying to keep the men of Ragusa from being dragged back to war, and their families from being dragged further into poverty.

An outspoken champion and defender of the oppressed, Maria was ostracized for confronting injustice and violence against women and marginalized people.

This mural shows the determined gaze of a woman whose life was dedicated to fighting for personal freedom, and acknowledges her anti-war stance with a motif of olive branches.

Maria Occhipinti was a fearless woman who set an important example for generations to follow, and she deserves our gratitude