For over twenty years, Patricia Qualls has volunteered with BUILD, a Chicago-based organization supporting inner-city youth. Created following a painting workshop with these students, this work is an homage to the "spirits" of the incredible children and the communities that support them. Qualls describes her time in Chicago as a transformative experience that "scrapes the barnacles" off her heart—revealing a clarity and light she didn't know she was missing.

This piece represents the resilience and brilliance of these young lives and how every person we encounter leaves an imprint, adding a unique layer to the tapestry of our existence. It stands as a celebration of diversity and the profound light that emerges when we allow our lives to be "woven" together with others. In an era where some voices advocate for resistance and the exclusion of those who are different, Qualls views this work as a vital counter-narrative—an essential reminder of the strength found in inclusion and the sacred beauty of our shared humanity.