07.08.2019
Mural Painting at Alaska Seeds of Change
Artist Sarah Davies leads mural painting project at Alaska Seeds of Change
(Anchorage, Alaska) Anchorage artist and high-school teacher Sarah Davies is leading a mural painting project at a facility that provides vocational training, outreach and mental health supports for homeless and at-risk youth.
Work on the mural began July 8 and will continue at least through July 18. The design was a collaboration between Davies and the youth served at the facility in the Spenard area of Anchorage. Youth and community volunteers are completing the painting work.
Davies says this project, like all of her work, is “about engaging people who generally don’t have much faith placed in them in meaningful ways. And reinforcing the power of creativity as a tool of communication.” Recent Bartlett High School graduate Victoria Arnold is assisting on the project; other local artists and teachers are also volunteering.
The facility houses some of Anchorage Community Mental Health Services‘ programs for transition age youth (ages 13-23), including Alaska Seeds of Change (AKSOC). AKSOC provides vocational training for at-risk youth in an indoor hydroponic vertical greenhouse. Other services within the building include a peer-run youth-drop in, street outreach and educational program, and clinical mental health services.
Volunteers are welcome to come Monday – Thursday afternoons from 12:00 to 6:30 at 704 W. 26th Avenue to help paint, or support the creative work with snacks and drinks. Members of the media are asked to call first before visiting (Jessica Cochran at 907-440-8047).
About Sarah Davies: Sarah Davies is the award-winning artist behind the“100 Stone Project”, an installation of life-size statues installed at Point Woronzof in Anchorage in November and December 2015. The project raised awareness of suicide and mental health struggles and attracted followers from around the world. The installation followed a series of public engagement sessions around the state that created a space for people to share their stories in a physical way, and to feel connection to a community of creators. Ms. Davies currently teaches art at Bartlett High School in Anchorage.
About Alaska Seeds of Change: Alaska Seeds of Change provides vocational training and employment opportunities for at-risk transition age youth through an indoor hydroponic greenhouse, while also producing fresh greens and herbs for Alaska year-round. The program began operations in December 2016. Youth involved in the program have access to mental health supports and other resources within the building.
About Anchorage Community Mental Health Services: ACMHS has been providing community-based outpatient mental health services in Anchorage for more than 40 years, and added services in Fairbanks in 2013. The company provides trauma-informed care for clients across the span of life.
