The unveiling. Julia Kopperud, right, presents her mural joined by fellow student Mars Bell and school mentoring coordinator Karen Linn.

Kopperud seeks a voice for “the unheard”

WINONA, Minn. – An acrylic mural by Winona High School junior Julia Kopperud, in tribute to Marsha Johnson, a prominent figure in the Stonewall uprising of 1969. was unveiled in the high school commons area. “I made this piece in an effort to support the voices of those who are unheard,” Kopperud said. “To encourage people to step out of the shadows and use their voices to spark the changes they want to see in the world. In the brainstorming process of this mural I realized that I had an opportunity to do just that.” Principal Mark Anderson said other students have artwork in progress to celebrate their culture and identity. Said Kopperud: “I hope this painting inspires people to step out of their comfort zone and embrace their individuality.”

Laden with messages

Julia Kopperud depicts Marsha Johnson against a brick wall. The wall pays tribute to the Stonewall Inn, a Greenwich Village gay bar where gay rights took form as a social movement. The quote is from Johnson’s close friend and fellow activist Sylvia Rivera. Kopperud asked fellow members of the school Gay Straight Alliance to paint their hands with the colors of pride flags to pepper the canvas.