Beltline Youth Mural

The youth of the Beltline Boys & Girls Club in Calgary have finally completed their 4x8 foot mural and I think it's wonderful.  The only stipulation was nothing negative, all empowering words.  I wanted something in the building that would make them not only proud of their contribution, but also a way of possibly instilling a sense of pride in other youth who visit the center.

One of the best things about being an artist is being able to contribute to projects like this.  I've read the statistics about the value of art in society, for both viewers and contributors...decreased school drop out rates, decreased teenage pregnancy, decreased vandalism, and increased pride in community as well as a sense of contribution...but it's especially nice to see the results first-hand. 

The community art projects that I've had the privilege of contributing to in my community have been a testament to the decrease in vandalism and increase in community pride.  And I feel so lucky to get the opportunity to be involved.