Arts & Culture Community Commentary Family Featured Music & Events Spotlight Fara Illich April 24, 2013

vyt-blank-wall#Water Writes, a global public arts initiative spearheaded by the Estria Foundation, has enlisted community artists to paint the tenth of 12 water-themed murals on the south-facing wall of Valley Youth Theatre, located on the corner of Fillmore and First Street in Downtown Phoenix.
Each of the locations selected for #WaterWrites murals—California, Honolulu, Palestine, Philippines, El Salvador, Colombia, South Africa, British Columbia and Phoenix— are facing critical water issues. The Downtown Phoenix mural, “Water Is Life,” will incorporate imagery designed to inspire and educate—on the way in which water is delivered into Phoenix, the impacts of wasteful water policies, and sustainable energy alternatives.
Local community organizations, Black Mesa water Coalition, Tonatierra, PUENTE, and the Phoenix Revitalization Corporation have worked together with a team of community artists, including Jeff Slim, Angel Diaz, and Averian Chee to create the mural image. Painting will begin on Sunday, April 28 and the finished wall will be unveiled during a First Friday ceremony on May 3.
“To get a mural of this caliber, with such a great story, is a big win for Downtown,” said DPP Vice President Terry Madeksza. “To have our community artists using Valley Youth Theatre as their canvas makes the effort all the more special.”
Everyone is invited to attend the mural’s kickoff “paint party” on site at Valley Youth Theatre on Sunday, April 28. The paint party will feature complimentary food and refreshments by Squash Blossom, live music, and an opportunity for attendees to paint a portion of the wall.
To help support, or get more information on the #WaterWrites Mural series visit www.estria.org or click here to watch videos of the completed mural projects.