Why I Started the Love Thy Neighbor Project

Hi, I’m Michelle Sasha, the founder of ArtFluent Creatives.

Community has always been at the core of my work as an artist. Years ago, I began painting free palm tree "mini-murals" on homes in Palm Harbor — a small act of art that unexpectedly blossomed into a movement. Over 1,000 homes later, those palm trees have become a symbol of connection and pride for the town. Since then, I’ve launched similar art initiatives in several other Florida communities, each time seeing how a simple splash of color can spark joy, inspire unity, and create a sense of belonging.

The Love Thy Neighbor Project grew from that same passion — but with an even deeper purpose. When inclusive street murals began disappearing from public spaces, I couldn’t shake the thought: What message does that send to the people those murals represented? For so many, seeing those colors wasn’t just paint on pavement — it was a quiet reminder: You are seen. You belong here.

I wanted to find a way to keep that message alive. By bringing these murals to private driveways and mailboxes, we’re creating countless small but powerful symbols of love and inclusivity — reminders that our neighborhoods can be places of welcome, safety, and celebration for everyone.

This is art with heart. This is community in color. And I’m so grateful to have an amazing team of ArtFluent artists joining me in making it happen.