With the help of renowned muralist Emanuel Martinez, a cafeteria wall at the Decker Lake Youth Center is now a symbol of hope and inspiration for dozens of at-risk teens.
Titled “Transformation,” the mural incorporates local culture, landscape and, most importantly, input from youths at Decker Lake who helped design and paint the mural.
“Strong messages of hope and positive encouragement will be a perpetual affirmation to the students for decades to come,” Martinez said.
In addition to working directly with Martinez on the mural, youths are benefitting from art supplies and curriculum tools donated by the Emanuel Project – a nonprofit organization that incorporates art therapy for at-risk teens. The entire project has been an especially positive experience for teachers and administrators in Granite’s Youth Educational Support Services (Y.E.S.S.) team.
“The Emanuel Project has been a wonderful opportunity for students to work side-by-side with a famous artist,” said Y.E.S.S. Program Associate Director Carol Carrol. “The mural will be on display for many years to come, and will remind students of what is possible.”