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

The public is invited to an unveiling of a new mural on the underpass wall of the MKT Trail under Locust Street. The event will be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2 at Flat Branch Park, 101 S. Fourth St., near the mural site.

Columbia Parks and Recreation's Career Awareness Related Experience (C.A.R.E.) Art Gallery completed the mural under the supervision of visiting artist Madeleine LeMieux. The mural was 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.