“To want to do better, we have to see someone doing better — that was Papa.”

Created during ArtFields 2023, PAPA tells the human story of the multi-generational family business and long-time community fixture of Matthews Fruit Stand. Inspired by a family photograph of “Mr. Ross” Matthews holding his granddaughter April in his arms, the image carries the spirit of love and support he showed both April and Lake City during his lifetime — a legacy April carries on.

Though the words speak to the positive force Papa was to April and those who knew him, the message invites viewers to tap into their own personal story and connection to this kind of figure in their own life. Through the way it is painted, this tender, singular moment of one child and her Papa conveys a feeling that tells a story even greater.