Leave Your Mark

I had the amazing opportunity a week ago to join in with a community project here in Harpenden. A Youth Council went around to different schools and asked the kids what made Harpenden, well, Harpenden! The Council then proceeded to design a mural for a tunneled-walking path which would showcase the pictures/words that the kids had used to describe their town. The artists were all volunteers who dedicated their time, energy, and frozen fingers to painting the mural every week. 
I stumbled across one of their painting sessions a couple weeks back and got roped into painting for a few, frigid hours. Despite the cold evening air, I asked if I could come back again the following week to continue painting and bring a few friends along as well. So, the following week, I returned with four DTS students in tow and we began painting again. It was so much fun to spend time with the volunteers there who are hilarious and just fun to be around, and also paint something that will be in town for, possibly, years to come. 
We came back the following week as well, to finish up a few details and outlining. At the end of our time, I stood back to look at the finished project. It looks beautiful! It's bright, true to the kids designs and to the town, and just a real testimony to the hard work put in to it. 
Now, had you asked me a month ago if I was an artist, I would have scoffed and laughed at you. Am I an amazing artist? No, but I realized while painting how much I enjoy it. I also was aware of the significance of painting a Harpenden mural despite the fact that I am not from the town. It really reminded me that this is a town of foreigners and locals, young and old, people from different backgrounds. Yet, we can all come together and make something beautiful. Cheesy, I know, but it made me smile!
So, here is the Facebook page of the lady, Melissa, who co-ordinated all the volunteers and painting. She's such a lovely woman and I hope to keep up contact with her!
HoneyBee Arts & Facepainting

Painting the Tunnel

My lovely painting ladies (Courtney and Tia) and me

The hands I painted!