Nashville Voice
Bright, colorful murals have begun to pop up all over the Nashville cityscape. Now, one commissioned through a community program grant by AkzoNobel – a leading global paints and coatings company – and the Nashville Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC), has been officially dedicated to the community.
Over the summer, youth came together to lead, design and execute the painting through a series of workshops led by artist and project manager Jake Elliott of WHAT Creative Group.
The final quilt mural was painted in June and July at the NPL by students, volunteers, local AkzoNobel employees and community partners, and is now on display in the NPL main parking garage.
“The mural symbolizes the pride of Nashville’s youth and community members have in being part of our vibrant city,” said Nashville Mayor David Briley. “We’re happy to have engaged corporate community members like AkzoNobel, who are dedicated to helping transform our urban landscapes in a positive way. Much like a quilt, the ‘My Nashville’ mural combines snapshots of impressions around our city.”
Titled, “My Nashville,” the mural was revealed in a short ceremony at the Nashville Public Library (NPL) last Saturday, Oct. 20. Five scholarship recipients were also acknowledged, including:
- Lauren Estrada
- Jasmine Johnson
- Anyah Gilmore-Jones
- Leah Faulkner
- Rachel Holt
“My Nashville” is the third community-wide project born from the partnership between AkzoNobel and the MYC. The project aims to unite the community through the common goals of helping youth exercise their leadership and promoting the importance of public art to the community as a whole.
The artwork is part of a series of 10 student-led, civic improvement projects, in which the Mayor’s Youth Council helps beautify the city over the course of two years. The projects are made possible through a $100,000 grant from AkzoNobel. The funding also provides up to 10 academic scholarships for Nashville youth.
“Seeing the youth take ownership of the public art projects is inspiring and makes us proud to be part of Nashville,” said Yvette Williger, AkzoNobel People Services Leader. “AkzoNobel came to Nashville in 1947, and since then, we have been an active and hands-on corporate member of the community, with many of our employees volunteering for the projects. We are proud to support the Mayor’s Youth Council. ”
The Mayor’s Youth Council is comprised of students from 23 public, private and charter schools located in Nashville. Members of the group are involved in student-led programs through the city’s Oasis Center, a non-profit organization that has a mission \to train the next generation of leadership through community service and positive action.
