Why She’s Interesting: Slater’s mural of LeBron James was the first in the NBA star’s hometown of Akron. She spent a month painting the mural after finding a location — only to have it vandalized with the words “La Flop” and a bright red clown nose on James. She contacted the LeBron James Family Foundation about the situation, and they hired her to paint a mural highlighting James’ I Promise School.
Community First: After the mural was vandalized, Slater did not let it get her — or her city — down. Instead, she raised money and put together an event with free food and music in front of the mural and handed out food to the less fortunate with the goal of bringing the community together. “I didn’t want to focus on the negativity. I wanted to focus on fixing it up and keeping people in good spirits.”
Growing Business: Slater is developing an art business called Afterworld that will feature prints, stickers and more. “I’m just trying to put my work out there and just make a name for myself.”
In Her Head: “The inspiration comes from my struggles, my everyday struggles, and the things that I see in my head that I try to pull out, and I just want to inspire people to follow their dreams.”
Life Imitates Art: Slater thanks her high school art teacher for where she is today. Mrs. Addis pushed her to never give up and to believe in herself. Now, Slater aims to do the same thing for others. “I would love to teach art one day and help people get going … do big things and just stay on the right path.”
Interesting Fact: The LeBron James mural was Slater’s first mural.
