Murals depicting hope, resiliency and healing offered at St. Jude’s Ranch for Children were unveiled Oct. 8. They were created during the summer by foster children staying at the Boulder City campus.
Christina Vela, chief executive officer, said the project was sparked by the restrictions on activities imposed by COVID-19 and witnessing protests against racial injustice.
“The only thing we know how to do is get creative to increase hope and healing,” she said during the afternoon ceremony.
Each home at the ranch was challenged to create a mural for the project. They then worked with an artist to outline their concept on an 8-by-10-foot section of wall before it was painted.
Vela said the three-month-long project will leave a permanent mark on the campus and helps express the pain experienced during that time.
“They show our superpower of being resilient,” she said.
George, one of the youths living at the ranch, said he designed their mural featuring a yellow brick road to represent a pathway to change your life.
“Life is too short,” he said, adding that before coming to St. Jude’s he could see his path going nowhere.
As part of the unveiling ceremony, several awards were presented, accompanied by funds to provide extra recreational activities or a special lunch for the homes’ residents.
“We are grateful to Nova Geotechnical, SR Construction, Egg Sammie, Tool Service Inc., Galt Development, Remington Nevada and TALG who sponsored this project for our children,” Vela said. “We know the community will enjoy these heartfelt pieces of art, each with its own creativity and touching sentiments. It will now act as a virtual art walk for each child who arrives on campus and each supporter that visits.”
Hali Bernstein Saylor is editor of the Boulder City Review. She can be reached at hsaylor@bouldercityreview.com or at 702-586-9523. Follow @HalisComment on Twitter.