Harder Than it Looks

A DTO LIVE! Art Display

2026 – This was an opportunity that was posted on the UnitedArts website for artists to apply to. The concept was to pitch an idea for a storefront display that could be installed in some of the vacant buildings in downtown Orlando. What a fun idea for creative placemaking!

My logic was: what makes more sense in storefront windows than mannequins?? I had already painted a number of mannequins for other private collections; this would be my biggest project yet. Multiple full-body mannequins! The proposal was intended to be scalable, meaning you wouldn’t know if you would have a small or large space until you were selected.

With my proposal, I wanted to paint each mannequin with one primary color so that when you first look at the display, you’re just captivated by the intricacies and beauty of the perfect-looking mannequins. But, the reason why I wanted to call it “Harder Than it Looks,” is that each color would represent a cause that may be lurking under the surface that people may have to struggle with ~ showing that life isn’t always as perfect as it seems.

The Purple Mannequin – features a variety of mandalas on her head and torso with ribbons swirling around her legs and around her head/neck. The purple ribbon represents those impacted by Alzheimer’s. Learn more

The Red Mannequin – features a variety of mandalas on her torso, arms, legs, and head with a ribbon in the shape of a heart crossing over that part of her chest. The red ribbon represents those impacted by Heart Disease. Learn more

The Pink Mannequin – features a variety of mandalas on her torso, arms, legs, and head with a ribbon crossing over one of her breasts and down her legs; representing an asymmetry many who’ve had a single mastectomy have experienced. The pink ribbon represents those (men and women) impacted by Breast Cancer. Learn more

It was an honor to have my proposal was approved! I primed, painted, and sealed these three mannequins by hand. They were installed in the DTO LIVE! breezeway gallery (next to the 7-Eleven) on the South side of Pine Street between Garland and Orange Ave.

They’ll be on display from May 1st – May 28th. Be sure to stop by and see them while they’re there. THIS MONTH ONLY!

Mannequins available for purchase for any interested buyers after the display concludes.
Email [email protected] to purchase or inquire about the cost + shipping. Thank you!

Concept vs. Reality

Installation Process

My friend Selena helped me set this up and David Lawrence was there to capture it all. See more images and videos on Instagram.

Individual Details

The Purple Mannequin

The Red Mannequin

The Pink Mannequin

Sarah’s Memoir

This website displays my artistic side, but I recently released a memoir about death, grief, and sobriety. I’m proud of this book and hope it helps others feel less shame about things they’ve gone though.

Dead Serious: How Death Made Me Laugh at Life