Waltham Boys & Girls Club Paints Colorful Mural In Honor Of MLK

WALTHAM, MA — Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy joined the Waltham Boys & Girls Club on Monday as they painted a three-wall mural to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Organized by the Waltham Boys & Girls Club's teen leadership program “Watch City Keystone Club,” the MLK Day of Service provided community members the opportunity to volunteer and paint the mural inside the non-profit's building and featured engaging and educational presentations on the legacy of MLK.

"Our mission is to enable ALL young people to reach their full potential,” said Erica Young, Waltham Boys & Girls Club Executive Director, in a statement. "There are many barriers that remain in our society that do not lay the ground for an equitable playing field. Part of our work will always include equity, inclusion, and socialjustice to ensure success is within reach of every child and teen who walksthrough our doors.”

"We know art is a powerful tool of expression and reflection,” she continued. "This new mural in our building will be a symbol of light and aninspiring piece for youth members to see every day. I'm in awe of our teamof staff and teens who lead this impactful project.”

Throughout the MLK Service Day, participants took turns applying bright strokes of color in a paint-by-number approach, filling in the canvases that convey a pop art feel with words and images that reflect MLK's legacy.

The mural, which was commissioned by local art teacher and muralist David Waxman, was designed to be artistically impressive, visually impactful, and meaningful for everyone involved in the process.

"Art is a powerful tool, and I can't think of anything more rewarding to methan helping a group of young people express themselves through this mural,” said Waxman in a statement. "Teens from the Watch City Keystone Club shared their ideas with me, sharedwhat was important to them, and what they wanted to be represented on the walls of the Club. I did my best to find and bring together images that express equality, unity, achievement, and social justice.”

The community mural project was funded by the Waltham Cultural Council ,which supports the arts, humanities, and sciences through grants and advocacy for nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, and artists.