On October 10, the YMCA of the Triangle, Southeast Raleigh Promise and Artspace unveiled a community mural at the YMCA Beacon Site at 1436 Rock Quarry Road.
Four, eight-foot painted, plywood panels incorporate paper squares decorated by children and community members with a “You are Perfect” theme.
Artist Georges Le Chevallier worked with children at the YMCA’s Camp Renaissance in Southeast Raleigh to collect pieces that would eventually be incorporated into the mural. The mural is intended to invoke positive feelings about one another and the Southeast Raleigh community.
ART UNVEILING
YMCA, Southeast Raleigh Promise and Artspace leaders spoke about their excitement for the YMCA Beacon Site and how the mural serves as a beautiful reminder of the value of Southeast Raleigh and its residents.
Earlier this year, the YMCA and Southeast Raleigh Promise contacted Artspace to help secure a visual artist to create a large-scale piece created by Southeast Raleigh community members. Le Chevallier was selected for the project. Le Chevallier’s work represents the spirit and energy of the YMCA Beacon Site and the collaborations that will occur there.
ENGAGING COMMUNITY
“We knew Artspace would be the perfect organization to help engage the community in the production of this art,” said Jon Mills, YMCA of the Triangle Regional Vice President. “We hope the mural will increase excitement for the YMCA Beacon Site and the programs that will be delivered onsite and throughout the Southeast Raleigh community.”
“We are grateful for the participation of blossoming young leaders in Southeast Raleigh who helped to bring this piece to life,” said Kia Baker, Southeast Raleigh Promise Executive Director. “We hope that this piece will serve as a symbol of the beautiful things that we can do together as one community.”
The YMCA, Southeast Raleigh Promise and Artspace invite community members to view the mural, share a photo and tag it with #RaleighPerfect.
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
Two years ago, the YMCA of the Triangle made a significant investment in Southeast Raleigh with the purchase of the 32-acre site near 1-440. This site will be home to a YMCA, a Wake County Public School, housing and a variety of other community services.
Construction of the joint YMCA and Wake County Public School will begin in early 2018. The facility is expected to open in the late summer of 2019. The YMCA, Southeast Raleigh Promise and Artspace invite community members to view the mural, share a photo and tag it with #RaleighPerfect.