Youth to tell Edgewood, DC story through mural

It's a hot smoggy summer day in Edgewood. Two artists, Peter Krsko and Daniel Hopkins, are standing behind the Safeway Shopping center on Rhode Island Ave NE, staring at the bare concrete wall.The wall conjures up images of all the wonderful, artful possibilities it would present when 45 teenagers from across the city transform the 50-yard long and two-story-high wall into a thrilling piece of art in Edgewood near the Rhode Island metro station. They will need 17 gallons of paint to cover 5100 square feet of canvas with their own visions of Edgewood and the city at large.

The youth are part of an army of more than 22,000 District teenagers who are spending this summer in paid community, government and private companies work.

"This is an interesting city and there is definitely a need for what we have to offer," proclaimed Krsko, an artist with Albus Cavus, whose murals dot the east coast.

Project spokeswoman Sarah Massey said in a press release that a significant part of the mural plan is to bring together the people and places of DC. Through paint, the wall will present images that are singularly DC, yet are defined by the artists' personalities, as well as the neighborhood's, Massey said.

The mural will be unveiled at a public opening on August 22 which will feature live music, deejays, giveaways and an artist market.

"We take this seriously; it's a job, but it's fun," mused James McMillan, 21, one of the youths working on the mural. The program helps also get kids off the street, McMillan said. "I know its cliché, but it's true," he said.

The youths couldn't be more excited about dressing up a part of Edgewood which greets commuters and residents with only shopping outlets, street traffic and a vast stretch of concrete.

When they first arrived at the site of the mural they were overwhelmed by the blank, massive wall. But they have come to see the project in a different light. "Even though I get paid, I would do it even if I didn't," said 18-year-old Brooke Hargrove.

Project creators are convinced the mural could be inspiration to the city and commuters who ride the metro which passes directly off the future mural.

"It's about people realizing good stuff is happening in my neighborhood," said Krsko. "Being proud of their neighborhood, and caring and taking responsibility for the neighborhood."

Not only does the artist feel this way, but so do the students. "After the mural is completely done people will appreciate you did something good for the community," said McMillan.

The Department of Public Works is inviting business owners to apply for its MuralsDC program. Business owners can apply for a no-cost graffiti mural on the wall of their establishment to help deter illegal tagging.

These walls are typically private, business-owned, highly visible and have been the target of graffiti in the past. Information about this public program can be obtained from the MuralsDC Project, 441 4th St. NW, Washington, DC 20001 * (202) 727-3900.

On the Net: http://dslbd.dc.gov.