Community Mural Project:Lincoln, Nebraska

The Community Mural Project is an extension of work I've been doing in  Nebraska by connecting communities through the arts. We are creating a mural in a Lincoln neighborhood inspired by stories written by youth from Girls Inc. of Lincoln! After service in public projects as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) I continued as a teaching artist with the Nebraska Arts Council and an Artist~in~Residence with the Lied Center for Performing Arts. This year, teaching artists had many wonderful projects planned with youth in Lincoln and  surrounding communities. However,in the pandemic, all program grants abruptly ended!  There was no longer funding, and we couldn't go forward with student programming. Regardless,  it seemed more important than ever to continue forward, by any means possible, to create positive experiences for youth. I would not be able to do it alone. The best projects have been large scale public projects where everyone has a part. I reached out to directors of community centers and building owners. A wall was donated for a large scale mural. I reached out to partner with Girls Inc. in Lincoln and created volunteer teaching workshops for their youth. (Which included outdoor art classes and writing workshops.)  Nothing brings people together like creating something meaningful. During this time of pandemic and striving for social justice, it's so important to build things that focus on strengthening and supporting our community in positive ways. With students home all summer, we wanted to continue forward and create options for them to become involved. Students have written stories of community and friendship. This mural will be based on their stories. The mural is at a busy intersection in Lincoln where people will have time to pass by and reflect. Next door is a small community garden. The wall has been donated! Someone volunteered their time to power wash the building in preparation! We're seeking donations so we can cover the costs of beginning and completing the mural.  The painting must start soon and be completed by the time school opens. Please donate whatever you can. Every little bit helps! We invite all our friends  and community members to have ownership of this process - and to say, "I'll help support and fund this for the youth and community." Every dollar will be used for teaching and supplies for the mural. If you have time, socially distant time slots for volunteering will be posted on the next update!  In small steps and large actions we can come together to make something lasting and wonderful.
Art is for the people!