Public art projects have long been used to express ideas, themes and a sense of purpose for communities. For years other cities around the country and state have developed public art projects to encourage citizen involvement. Now, thanks to a private citizen group the Clarkston Green Team, along with non-profit groups such as the CDF, International Rescue Committee, and the Clarkston Community Center are proud to announce that the first community mural project for the Clarkston area will be installed on Saturday, September 28th at the west facing wall of the Decatur Pediatric Group.
This community mural project was funded by a mini-grant from the United Way Opportunity Zone, with donations from the International Painters and Allied Trades District 77 Local Union, Pat’s Painting, and local citizen artists. The project brought together design concepts from youth throughout Clarkston. From there, local artist, Shannon Willow, created the final design.
“Public Art has been proven to reduce crime rates, raise property values and build pride in a community,” said Ted Terry, Clarkston Resident and author of the Green Team grant project. “We are so thankful for Decatur Pediatric Group’s willingness to work with the Clarkston Community to make this dream of so many of our citizens come true.”
Clarkston Resident and Lead Artist for the mural project, Shannon Willow, said, “This mural is about beautifying our community. Working with the youth from the opportunity zone and community is so important to building a better Clarkston.”
The preparatory painting of the mural will take place days before the actual installation day, as the wood panels that will serve as the murals surface, are primed and treated. The installation process will take place all day, starting at 8 am for assembly of the pieces and will be worked on in 2 hour shifts to paint, assemble and fix the mural to the west facing wall of Decatur Pediatric Group.
“The DeKalb Opportunity Zone is proud to sponsor this fantastic project through our bi-annual mini-grant program,” said Daniel Shorr, Opportunity Zone Coordinator for United Way. “United Way’s goal with the DeKalb Opportunity Zone is to work with residents and community groups in the Clarkston/Scottdale area to improve health, education, citizen involvement, and economic opportunity.”