C.A.R.E. Gallery to Start Tunnel Mural

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

Columbia Parks and Recreation's Career Awareness Related Experience (C.A.R.E.) Art Gallery is about to begin painting a mural on the MKT Trail. The mural will be located on the underpass tunnel walls under Locust Street, near Flat Branch Park.

The public is invited to help launch the project by participating in a community painting day, from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, July 4. The teen artists from the C.A.R.E. Gallery will lead participants in coloring in sections of the mural. In the next few weeks, the teen artists will add details to the mural.

Participants do not need artistic skill to participate, but should wear clothes that can get messy. There will be a check-in table near the Flat Branch Park playground, 400 Locust St.

The project is being done under the supervision of visiting artist Madeleine LeMieux. The mural will be designed to celebrate Columbia and its vibrant, diverse, growing community. More murals may be painted on other underpass tunnels in future years.

The underpass tunnel walls are often the target of graffiti artists, including those near Flat Branch Park. Research on graffiti prevention indicates that murals act as a deterrent for graffiti and creates a more inviting atmosphere for park and trail users.

The C.A.R.E. Art Gallery serves as a visual arts work site for the C.A.R.E. program.  Approximately 15 creative youth are given the opportunity to work as paid artists for eight weeks. Art Gallery trainees work with and learn from professional artists. The Art Gallery is funded in part by the Missouri Arts Council and the City's Office of Cultural Affairs.