'Art ignites change.' Anti-gun violence mural unveiled in Mount Vernon
Community members in Mount Vernon say enough is enough with gun violence. They're hoping this new mural will help with that.
Local artists, seniors and young people are trying to make a difference in Mount Vernon through a new gun violence art mural.
"No matter what side of the gun you're on, gun violence is bad," says Jay Cappas, a Mount Vernon resident who contributed to the mural.
Community members in Mount Vernon say enough is enough with gun violence. They're hoping this new mural will help with that.
"No one wants to walk outside of their house and not feel safe," says Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard.
The mural was unveiled Monday at the Doles Recreation Center but it can soon be found at the City Hall and Youth Center.
"Art ignites change. I'm a huge believer in public art really making an impact in different ways," says artist Emlyn Taveras.
The mural was a collaborative project, with local youth and seniors under the direction of Taveras.
"This being an intergenerational project was a really big part of the importance of it. I think all of our voices can support and mentor each other," says Taveras.
For the artists and community, this mural means so much.
"It's very much needed," says Chandri Bridges, a Mount Vernon resident. "Sometimes you have to have big changes to make a really powerful change for good."
The mural has been in the works since the summer. About eight artists worked on it, including Jay Cappas.
"It's an honor, I guess you could say. My thoughts and my feelings and what I'm feeling deep inside could inspire something this big," says Cappas.
The Youth Shelter Program is also hosting the "Drop the Guns, Walk it Out" Peace Walk event on Tuesday in Mount Vernon.
The event aims to raise awareness about gun violence. It will start at 2:30 p.m. and end at 6 p.m.
It will start at 590 East 3rd Street and end at 70 West 3rd Street.
