That's a WRAP!
Have you noticed youth along Delridge painting the signal boxes? The Work Readiness Art Program (WRAP) is in full gear, and participants are beautifying our neighborhood with original murals inspired by the life cycle of salmon and other sea life. Students get to work with professional artists to design and create the murals as they simultaneously learn skills that prepare them for entering the workforce.
Andrew Morrison is the lead artist working on the project. Andrew’s paintings have been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in galleries throughout the United States, and we are thrilled to have him assist the WRAP students in their mural creation. You can learn more about Andrew and his body of work at his website, www.andrewmorrison.org.
WRAP engages youth in an exploration of diversity and culture in their own community through photo documentation, group discussions, field trips, mural painting, and visits to public art displays. Through these means, the participants develop a greater sense of personal identity and voice, and also build a sense of citizenship and investment in the local community.
If you’d like to get involved, we can always use volunteers! Whether you’d like to help the students finish up the murals, or even provide a meal for participants, there are always ways to help. The program runs M-F 10a-4p through Aug. 30th out of the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Just contact the Youngstown Director, David Bestock, if you’d like to lend a hand— david@youngstownarts.org.
Or perhaps you just want to see what this program is all about? You are invited to attend the culminating event for WRAP on August 30th at 2pm in the Youngstown Theatre. We will present a slide show documenting the 3-week project, visit one of the newly-painted boxes first hand, and enjoy light refreshments. All are welcome, so come celebrate with us and get an up-close look at the wonderful work of the WRAP participants.