BRATTLEBORO — Youth Services is undertaking a renovation of its wall mural in Harmony Parking Lot by partnering with area artists this fall.
The popular book motif will remain, rendered now as “a “visual library of artists' websites,” according to organizers.
Youth Services' Karen Cribari and muralist Scot Borofsky shepherded this project through Brattleboro's approval process. Cribari explains each book in the mural will showcase the talents and website of a Windham County-based working visual artist.
“Because we also want area youth to benefit, preference will be given to artists who agree to mentor youth during the process," she added.
Youth working with community members executed the original bookcase over a week in 2007. The design was that of graphic artist Chris Grotke, who had won Youth Services' community-wide project competition.
In the intervening years, the bookcase weathered snowplows and other dings. Now it's ready for a facelift, Cribari said.
Julie Davenson, Youth Services' executive director, noted that with the Brooks House reopening, the time was right to spruce up the mural.
“We're looking forward to reminding visitors and residents alike how many talented local artists there are to patronize, as well as give youth in our community a chance to gain some career insights or hands-on learning from these artists,” she said.
Several spring dates are identified for supervised mentoring sessions between artists and youth. While most artists will paint onto the newly primed wall, other approaches such as tile work, mosaic, and low relief are encouraged. Exterior paints and other supplies are the responsibility of the artists.
Youth Services says on its website that, “ideally, books must be completed within one month of starting, and priority will be given to artists who are available to mentor youth on set dates in April and May 2015.”