Mural celebrates community

PITTSBORO -- After working together last fall on a benefit for Horton Middle School, Suzanne Robinson and Diane Swan found themselves wondering what their next project would be.

They found their answer in a few cans of paint, some creative students and a bare brick wall in downtown Pittsboro.

Robinson, program specialist for Partnership for a Drug-Free North Carolina, organized a mural project for students in Reconnecting Youth, a Horton program that promotes self-esteem, healthy decision-making and positive peer relationships.

The mural, "Saving the Haw," shows community members working together to pick trash out of a polluted Haw River.

It's being painted on the side of Goodnight Gracie Antiques. The two-story space, provided by Elizabeth Anderson of Heartwood Realty, sits across the street from the General Store Cafe.

"This mural project is a way to instill pride in the students," Robinson said, "to let them see that their thoughts and creative ideas are valued by peers, adults and the community at large."

After visiting the Haw River for inspiration, the students shared their ideas with lead artist Stacye Leanza, who composed the mural image. Each student picked an animal or plant to draw on the wall.

"It's really interesting to work on this mural with students," Leanza said. "It's been hard and lots of work, but also really fun and fulfilling."

One of the students, Justin Platon, a seventh-grader and RY member, hopes more people will get involved.

"The mural helps the town, river and the environment," he said. "I'm going to be drawing a deer."

Community members and groups are encouraged to stop by and participate. Robinson and the students will be painting throughout the next two months.

The project is sponsored by the Abundance Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes community building and economic development.

The Pittsboro Merchants Association will dedicate the mural June 1. The festivities will include a performance by local band Rootzie, and presentations by Horton's principal, Mervin Jenkins; Mayor Randy Voller; and Elaine Chiosso, executive director of the Haw River Assembly.

"This is such a fun and exciting thing for me," said Swan, an artist and cabinetmaker.

"This mural brings the community together while helping the town's image," she said. "It gets students involved in things outside of sitting behind a computer all the time."