New mural in SEPTA's Suburban Station aims to uplift Philadelphians

• Kelley said birds, with messages of hope dangling from their beaks, help uplift her spirit, and she hopes they do the same for people walking by the sprawling, 120-foot mural.

The inspiration: The piece, meant to conjure feelings of healing and growth, is a bold and colorful splash of suns, flowers, geometric shapes and mandalas, which are seen as a source of spiritual transformation.

• The collection of designs are taken from printmaking workshops that Kelley led for participants of Philadelphia Mural Arts' Color Me Back, a same-day work program helping people needing money and social services.

What they're saying: Kelley — who grew up in Kensington and watched classmates, friends and her foster son struggle with addiction — sees art as a way of restoring hope in her community. She believes it can help people heal from trauma while reconnecting with their inner child.

• "People have said, 'it helps me forget for a little bit about what's going on in my life.' Almost like you're a kid again," Kelley said.

What's next: Kelley is ironing out details with Mural Arts to collaborate on another piece with students at a Kensington school.