Wings of an angel

Artwork for the late Jessica Landis decorates downtown Ash Grove
 
Downtown Ash Grove gained some brightness in a dark time, following the untimely passing of local Jessica Landis, 36, who died May 17 in an auto accident.
In memory of Landis, Ashley McBratney, a co-worker at Ash Grove Healthcare Facility, painted angel wings on the west side of the building located at 100 East Main Street. The wings, an interactive piece meant to be photographed with subjects standing between them, include the words: #InMemoryofJessicaLandis; #SmallTownHeroes.
“I have worked at AGHF for 16 years. We are very much a family there. Our family includes all residents and team members,” McBratney said. “The loss of Jessica was a devastating loss felt by all of us. I wanted to create something as beautiful as Jessica was. A long-term care facility caregiver is a very special person and that’s exactly what she was, special. The angel wings were the perfect way to portray her.
McBratney hopes the work might inspire people.
“My hope is that it encourages others to be like Jessica, become a caregiver, make a difference and save lives! Become a small town hero like Jessica and all the other health care heroes,” McBratney said.
As powerful as the piece is, it only took the artist about three hours to create. And she “loved every minute 
of it.”