Hasna Sal
Contributor

Though separated by time and space, the Nativity installation at Independence Boulevard Christian Church and the Live in Light installation at Independence Plaza Park are forever connected by empathy, storytelling, and inclusiveness.

The Nativity

Installation
More than a decade ago, I embarked on Nativity—a labor of love that took nearly a year to complete. Every shard- powder, eyelid, strand of hair, and fold of cloth was shaped through long hours of daily work, where my sweat and blood merged into the glass. The inspiration came without warning, as though it were a divine commission.
I began with Mother Mary. As a mother myself, her story resonated deeply. Mary endured the greatest test of will—surrendering her child for the salvation of humankind. Her resilience became my guide, her strength my anchor.

Soon after completing Nativity, a survivor of trafficking entered my life, followed by many others through my dear friend, Kristy Childs. Their stories of resilience, courage, and above all, motherhood, profoundly moved me. Like Mary, they fought unimaginable battles—not for themselves alone, but for their children, striving to secure safety, education, health and love. What many of us take for granted, they had to wrestle away from the grip of crime and exploitation.

Live in Light

Installation
Their resilience became the inspiration behind my public art installation Live in Light. Installed at Independence Plaza Park, it is a tribute to survivors of trafficking who embody strength, love, and the courage to rebuild. Their capacity for forgiveness and their steadfast embrace of life taught me to stand tall, to resist fear and bullying, and to remain true to myself.

A Shared Beacon
Together, these two works—one interior, one exterior—form a dialogue across time and place. Nativity arose from a deeply personal meditation on motherhood, faith, and sacrifice, while Live in Light was born from community, resilience, and collective survival. Yet both are united in their role as beacons of hope: reminders that life is challenging, but within us lies the capacity for strength, compassion, and inclusiveness.

Public art has the power to illuminate and heal. My hope is that these installations offer light to people of every class, creed, age, gender, and background—affirming that resilience and love are the truest universals of our human experience.

• Nativity Installation — Independence Boulevard Christian Church, 606 Gladstone Ave, Kansas City, MO 64124 (made possible by an anonymous donor).
• Live in Light Installation — Independence Plaza Park, Kansas City, MO (realized through a Community Investment District Grant awarded by the Independence Avenue Community Improvement District).