This contemporary garden collage by Ali Williams was created in collaboration with Guild program participants from the Youth Violence Reduction Partnership and volunteers from JEVS Human Services. Its clean design signifies a clear sense of purpose with fresh colors meant to represent new beginnings.
The mural not only brings beauty and vibrancy to a formerly stark, empty space in the courtyard of an intensive outpatient program, but also delivers a message of hope and transformation to the community and the clients at JEVS. The Renaissance Garden is a safe retreat where those recovering from addiction can process their group therapy in a gentle urban oasis. Poetic verse by Allison K. McNally and playful, symbolic imagery painted on the outside walls tell the story of what takes place inside the facility – metamorphosis and rebirth.
Participants from the Guild program, which is designed for young adults involved in the criminal justice system to achieve real life skills, self-confidence, and a renewed sense of community commitment, designed and built a recycled wood pergola and benches for JEVS clients and staff to enjoy the garden and mural area.
To learn more contact events@muralarts.org.
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