Where Collaboration Meets Community
“You Are Good” mural by resident Cora Wright Art, located in the Backyard Yogis studio.
July News at Jerico
July is one of our favorite times to be at Jerico. The complex is full of life, our resident artists are busy creating, and there are plenty of opportunities to gather, explore, and support local creativity.
This month, our residents are hosting Second Saturday Market Day at The Clover Room, celebrating the incredible talent of our community. Keep reading to meet this month’s featured artists.
We’re also taking you behind the scenes with resident muralist Cora Wright Art, whose recent collaboration with Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis is a beautiful example of how thoughtful partnerships can transform a space. Inspired by the native landscape surrounding the studio, Cora’s mural reflects the power of art to foster connection and belonging.
MEET JERICO RESIDENT cora Wright Art
When Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis owner Shelby approached Cora about creating a mural for the studio, she envisioned a piece that would reflect the studio's commitment to well-being, inclusivity, community empowerment, and equity while creating a welcoming environment for everyone who walked through the door.
Cora found inspiration just outside the studio, drawing from the native gardens growing in the alleyways surrounding Jerico. She brought those natural elements indoors, creating a mural that reminds students that the self compassion they cultivate inside the studio continues long after they step outside its doors.
Interwoven throughout the artwork are excerpts from You Are Good, including the affirmations, "You are good. You have always been good... You are enough. You do not have to earn your enough-ness... You are loved. You are love." Rather than displaying words on a wall, Cora integrated them into the landscape of the mural, allowing the message to quietly reveal itself as students move through the space.
The finished mural is more than a painting—it's a reflection of the collaboration between artist and client that happens here everyday at Jerico. By listening closely to Shelby's vision and translating it into a thoughtful, site-specific work of art, Cora created a piece that feels inseparable from the identity of Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis, offering a daily reminder of connection, growth, and belonging.
Every mural begins with a conversation. Whether you're dreaming up a statement piece for your business, a custom mural for your home, or simply have an idea you'd like to explore, Cora loves collaborating with clients to bring their vision to life. Contact Cora here to start creating something together.
second saturday market day at The Clover Room
Join your hosts Elixir House and The Clover Room for the first kick off Second Satursday Market Day at The Clover Room on Saturday, July 11! We are celebrating the incredible talent and diverse artistry of our Southwest Michigan community. We have a spectacular lineup of vendors gathered to share their unique crafts and services, making this the perfect day to stop to support local creators. Our featured artists are:
Rosie Disaster, M&T Woodworks, CuLove Designs, Spare Threads Sewing, NBN Homestead, Karen Vosburg, Mary Kay Albee, Moongate Art, 6 Ray Healing, Bookfield Books, and Rainbow Forest Creations.
Come discover handcrafted treasures and one-of-a-kind pieces, including stunning work from a metal-smith jewelry artist, intricate queer woodworking art, upcycled textile designs, and a bookbinder crafting gorgeous journals and nature-inspired art. Beyond the beautiful tangible goods and curated vintage furniture, you can pour into your own well-being with onsite reiki healing and insightful readings from a local tarot reader. Whether you are looking to shop local, connect with nearby makers, or experience some community magic, we can’t wait to welcome you into the space!
Events You Don't Wanna Miss
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Events You Don't Wanna Miss 〰️
EVENTS THIS july
Upcycle Bar & Art Market at GUILD - July 18th
Bring your own items and transform them with a new patch or stamp. Shop the market or create your own patch or stamp at GUILD!
Sunset Beach Yoga & Picnic with KBY - July 12th
Join us for sunset yoga, a beach picnic, and a fundraiser supporting a community member in immediate need. Slow, grounding, and community-centered.
Play with Clay Workshop with Earth Body Pottery
- July 23rd
Enjoy an evening of playing with clay! This is an open class structure, meaning you can make whatever you want. The name of the game is play and you can get as creative as you want with the clay!
Expressive Arts Therapy Group at GUILD - July 19
Join Intern Counselor Bree Bird in exploring how creativity and expression can be used to address mental health and well being. Free and open to the public ages 16+. Group size is limited, please sign up to reserve your spot!
Shared STUDIO AVAILABILITY!!
Shared Studio Space Available July 1st!
Hush House is a queer-friendly shared studio managed by Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis. They’re looking for 1–2 passionate creatives, artists, or small business owners to join a collaborative, office-style workspace.
Flexible lease terms available:
5×10 or 10×10 spaces ranging from $150–$310/month for 6-12 month terms.
Text Shelby at 269-224-7958 to schedule a tour.
