Above:
Left, TEAM Athens teens work on visualizing the mandala which acts as the focal point for the mural. Planning, site selection, and negotitations with the city of Athens began in December of 1999.

Right, several of the 20 team members painting at the cordoned-off street corner. (Summer 2000)

The mural is located on a retaining wall at the corner of Stimson Avenue and East State Street in Athens.

Muralist: Lisa Trocchia
and TEAM Athens teens.

Next page: the final conceptual drawing and artist statement.

E-mail Rural Action:
info@ruralaction.org

E-mail Arts and Heritage
raarts@ruralaction.org

TEAM Athens announces plans for mural project

TEAM (Together Erasing Alcohol Misuse) Athens County is an organization dedicated to reducing underage drinking in conjunction with the Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health (ADAMH) Services board (317 Board) of Athens, Hocking and Vinton Counties.

Through a Drug-Free Community Coalitions Grant from the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, TEAM Athens County is developing professional outdoor murals in four Athens County communities.

We are doing the project in partnership with Rural Action, an organization that has developed successful murals in several southeast Ohio communities. We would like to introduce you to our project and answer a few frequently asked questions. If you have other questions, please contact us at 593-3177.

Who designed the mural?
A group of Athens youth has been working since December (1999) on the project. In the process, they have learned leadership skills, provided activities for other youth, and learned tools for living healthy and safe lives. (Note: the mural was dedicated November 3, 2000)

What happens if the mural is graffitied?
After the mural is painted it will be coated with a graffiti block. Any graffiti will be washed off immediately and the bock reapplied. Rural Action has had few problems with the other murals they have developed. The communities, especially youth, are very supportive of them. TEAM Athens County will watch over the mural during Halloween and other times when it might be at risk.

Why was the Stimson site chosen?
We have received overwhelming support from the community for the Stimson retaining wall site. The wall is physically well suited for a mural and located where many people will have an opportunity to enjoy it.

How long will the mural last, and who will maintain it?
The mural will be in place at least 10 years. Rural Action will maintain the mural.

Who will paint the mural?
Athens city youth will paint the mural, under the direction of a professional mural artist. Team Athens County will work with the city of Athens to make sure that all safety precautions are taken during the painting, It will take about a month to complete.

What are the benefits to the community?
The mural will be a symbol of Athens teenagers and reflect our community's positive relationship with our youth. It will enhance one of the key entrances to the city. Athens will become part of a "Mural Tour" throughout southeast Ohio, increasing tourism and benefiting the economy.

NEXT: Artist's statement>>>