Austin brief
This Saturday, April 21, from 2 to 4 p.m., Austin youth will dedicate their community mural project, “Moving Toward A Brighter Future.” The mural is located underneath the viaduct at the corner of Central Avenue and Lake Street.
Twenty-four high school teenagers, led by artists Rahmaan “Static” Barnes, Max Sansing and Sterling Price from After School Matters have collaborated together since the fall of 2006 to beautify the community with their art. The youth who participated learned new skills and will be given some financial compensation for their efforts.
The mural instills a sense of pride in the young adults and will showcase their vision of the future. Local aldermen and community residents, as well as the 15th District Police Department are all invited. A slide show presentation will be given, followed by a reception at the Austin Town Hall Park, 5610 W. Lake St. The teens will display the T-shirt designs they created and other art.
The mural project was made possible through a grant from After School Matters, a non-profit organization that partners with a number of community-based organizations, including the City of Chicago, the Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Public Library, the Chicago Dept. of Children and Youth Services, the Chicago Dept. of Cultural Affairs and Community-Based Organizations to expand out-of-school opportunities for Chicago teens. After School Matters serves teens in underserved communities, with the vision that Chicago’s teens need to believe they have a future, and adults need to help them get there. The organization’s stated goal is that it “embraces the power of collaboration with people of all backgrounds, and fosters a caring, creative and dynamic work environment.”
For more information, call Terrayne Ellis at Westside Health Authority, 773/378-5034.
