Jamil Lewis Multicultural Center for the Arts Community Mural Project
Jamil Lewis Multicultural Center for the Arts (JLMCA) has collaborated with The Friendly Center to produce a community mural sponsored by the Hostelling International Toledo Area Council.
Under the direction of JLMCA and their executive director, Audrey Johnson, fifteen youth were selected to work as a team instructed by artists Corinthia Parker and Pierce DeBoe. They created 6 panels measuring 4’ x 8’ which will be permanently mounted to The Friendly Center chain link fence facing Summit Street. The youth are ages 8-18 and live in 43604, 43608 and 43611 zip code areas.
In the past couple of months the youth have learned about the history of The Friendly Center and the nearby community to give them some background to help them in the creation of their visual representation. They researched what community means as a group and individually and took photographs community as they see it in North Toledo. When asked what community means to them, the student artists said “community is something special and beautiful, it means coming together having a special time; it is awesome; it means family even if the people are not related. Community is not a place but people helping each other.”
A formal ceremony was conducted on May 12 at The Friendly Center. Audrey Johnson and Amelia Gibbon welcomed the visitors and thanked the artists. The group was entertained with musical selections from Sankofa Singers. The mural artists introduced were Eboni Howell, Montell Morris, Kennedie Jackson, Anthony Rice, Brandon Rice, Devin Sample, Demetrio Soto, Kavon Sparks, Kelis Sparks, Jessie Thomas, Patrice Tilmon, Simone Tilmon, Nakiya White, Will White Jr., and Jasmond Young.
The mural project is wonderful way to help inspire youth and build pride. This project was being funded through a $2300 donation from HI-USA plus individuals who sponsored a mural panel for $300.
The Friendly Center - 1324 N. Superior Street - Toledo, Ohio 43604
© 2012 The Friendly Center
