ATL Mourns the Loss of Living Walls Programming Director, Laura Patricia Calle

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Nov 25

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WUSSY will miss Living Walls Programming Director Laura Patricia Calle; she was twenty-six.

The city of Atlanta has lost one of her most prized, creative, and fiercest minds as we confirm the passing of Laura Patricia Calle, Programming Director at Living Walls: The City Speaks. Calle originally joined the organization in 2011 as a volunteer. Since then, the organization has morphed into a globally recognized example of how to reuse old space, celebrate street art, and build communities.

Only twenty-six at the time of her passing, Laura accomplished more than most artists under the age of thirty had done in a lifetime. An avid supporter of Atlanta’s queer nightlife scene, she worked tirelessly to build bridges between communities. Calle was well known for her activism, commitment to social justice, and the proliferation of feminist ideals.

Living Walls co-founder Monica Campana and many others took to social media to leave their heartfelt condolences and express grieiving for the loss of the bright spirit:

“Today i had to say goodbye to one of my best friends in the whole world. It was one of the most difficult things i have ever had to do in my life. Laura was one of the strongest girls ive ever known and im not saying that because she was my friend, she really was one strong lady. She stuck to her values and beliefs always. She was a downright fighter and a very smart one. She fought for equality, for human rights, for a better world. She gave a lot of her life to do good. She was smart and fucking beautiful. One the most charming ladies, the one that was always the life of the party, if she was not dancing, then she was singing. I was so lucky to have been able to call her my friend, to have been able to exchange ideas with her, to have been able to have her there when i needed a shoulder to cry on and to have been able to spend many nights watching old music videos, drinking wine and singing very badly to Shakira songs. I am going to miss you so much my Colombian princess. I love you forever and ever and ever. Amigas por siempre mi amiga del alma. Peru y Colombia para la eternidad. Rest in Peace my sweet Laura. I will keep you in my heart until is time to meet again.”

Laura leaves behind her family—to whom we at WUSSY extend our deepest condolences—and a diverse community of friends, colleagues, artists, and activists. You will be greatly missed.

When the city speaks, it will scream your name.

Update - day of posting : Laura Patricia Calle's funeral will be held Saturday, 11 a.m. at St Jude's Catholic Church (7171 Glenridge Drive Atlanta, Ga 30328). There will be a ceremony followed by a reception. Her family has requested that any photos and videos of her be emailed to her surviving sister Valentina, Valentinacalle@ymail.com.

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