WAUKESHA, Wis. — After tragedy struck the City of Waukesha nearly a year ago, a mural is being painted by two local artists. 

Christina Dreyer said the incident impacted the entire community and knew they had to do something.

After brainstorming and designing, the "Waukesha Strong" mural is adding color to the downtown ally-way next to the Salty Toad.

“We have six black-eyed Susans,” said Dreyer. “They’re native to Waukesha, so we have a touch of Waukesha in there. We also have six cardinals going up at the top.”

The cardinals represent the six victims. It’s also the mascot of the Waukesha South High School band, who had members injured in the parade. 

“There’s also the sun rays through the top breaking the clouds because there’s sunshine after the storm,” said Dreyer. “The butterflies symbolize rebirth and new beginnings.” 

The sun shined brightly as she painted just a day after the guilty verdict of Darrell Brooks Jr., who drove through the parade, killing six people and injuring several others. He was found guilty on all 76 charges he faced.

“The feeling has changed,” said Dreyer. “Yesterday was a deciding factor on how my feelings were going to change while painting it, but it still holds the same meaning.”

Since the painting began, Dreyer has met dozens of people passing by, admiring her work and thankful to have a piece to remember those impacted.

“It’s beautiful,” said Jim Charles. “It says everything.”

Charles witnessed the tragedy and had been following along with the trial.

“How could you not have a feeling about that,” said Charles. “Justice was served.”

Dreyer is hopeful the mural will continue to bring people together.

“This is not about being broken and broken down forever and in pain,” said Dryer. “This is about [strength] and what we have become out of this. We’re not broken and demolished as a community. We’re stronger for this.” 

The mural is set to be complete by this spring and will be a place where the victims will always be remembered.