By Robin L. Ennis, MSW, LSW
Be careful of what you say; be careful of what you do… For every word spoken and action taken, has the potential to shape my day. I recently read an article that peaked my interest and caused me to think more about how one kind gesture from someone can mean the world to another. How many times have you been told to believe in yourself and/or others? To some, they may have never been told or taught to believe in themselves, less known the kindness of others. Well one artist, who is simply known as BIP (Believe In People), seeks to change this. Without any type of monetary award or public recognition, the mystery artist’s mission is to brighten everyone’s day through art on buildings throughout the city of New Haven. Such art includes a stenciled image of a boy’s face on an apartment building, installation of flowers on a bus stop, tactile images for blind individuals to touch, and Braille messages in various public locations, that read “believe in people.” In a unique, creative way, the art seeks to uplift people of all walks of life.
The BIP artist has been making his/her presence known in New Haven through the gifts of art for about two years, and many hope that it will not stop. So, what makes BIP a mystery artist? The simple answer to this question is that although the art is clearly visible to all, BIP’s presence has not been; no one has seen what the inspirational artist looks like. The New Haven residents may not be able to have a glimpse of BIP, but he/she is there, wanting the world to be more of an accepting place. We could all learn a message from BIP, I know I did, and that is to believe in yourself and others.