Downtown Canton Community Mural Project

My name is Vicki Boatright, but most people call me by my artist name, BZTAT. I am a professional artist in Canton, OH who has been creating big, fun things in Canton, OH for many years.

In 2010 and 2011, I painted two community murals that have been prominently displayed in the downtown Canton Arts District. For years, these two murals have brought pleasure to people who have visited the arts district. Murals require upkeep, though, and these two are in great need of being refurbished.

I have a group of high school students who want to help me do this as a community project. They also are busy helping me design a new mural to go on an exterior wall by my studio. These students are amazingly talented, and they show how persons with disabilities can do incredible things. These guys are the coolest cats in town!!!

We will be refurbishing 2 murals and creating a whole new one, all at the same time! A grant from Art Possible Ohio is helping me work with these students to make the project possible, and I am VERY grateful! More funds are needed to cover material costs, however, and we hope you will help us with that. Paint prices have skyrocketed in recent years. Any little bit you contribute will help, and it will also let you be a part of the process.

One of these murals was originally funded by an early Kickstarter campaign. Back then, crowdfunding was brand new, and everyone said it wouldn't work. Well, it did work back then, and, with your help, it can work again!

Contributions for this project will go towards material supplies for the project. Any extra funds will go towards the development of the Artist to Artist Collective, which is a community of artists at BZTAT Studios that is open to artists of all abilities, including those with developmental and mental health disabilities. The collective is designed to offer professional guidance to artists in a professional art studio space. The program offers a variety of opportunities to artists in the Canton, OH area to develop their unique creative talents.

Thank you for your interest, and your support of the project! Your contributions will not only bring renewed color to downtown Canton, they will also help some amazing students learn skills and express their talents as they prepare for future careers!

Life is an Adventure!

BZTAT