Press Release: Youth Work With artist Steven Lopez to Create Mural in Downtown Eugene
For: September 18th, 2008, Eugene Oregon
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Eugene, Ore. – The corner of Lincoln and 8th Ave. will get a little brighter this week thanks to the efforts of a team of at-risk youth from the Eugene-Springfield area, and celebrated muralist artist Steven Lopez.
This group, called the Youth Mural Collective, will turn a 15-by-75 foot gray wall, part of Metropolitan Affordable Housing’s WestTown on 8th housing community near the WOW Hall, into a cacophony of bold shapes, bright colors and vibrant movement. The collective started brainstorming mural ideas during a daylong meeting on September 8 and painting will begin late this week. The mural is scheduled for completion on Sunday, September 23.
Disenfranchised youth are often blamed for problems in the downtown area. This mural is a living contradiction of the stereotypes. The Youth Mural Collective represents youth from all across Eugene, including the downtown mall.
Some of the young artists, all between the ages of 15 and 24, will receive a stipend for their work paid for through a $10,000 grant from the Lane County Department of Children and Families’ Youth Action Board, some will receive school credit and some are simply volunteers. Participants were recruited through the 4-J school district, Looking Glass, the Leadership Education Adventure Direction (LEAD) teen program and Juventud FACETA.
The mural will take center stage on Monday, September 22 when Metropolitan Affordable Housing celebrates the grand opening of its WestTown on 8th housing community.
Lopez, a 33-year-old former Eugene resident who grew up in Los Angeles, studied art at both Lane Community College and the University of Oregon. After graduation in 2000 Lopez returned to Southern California where he refined his art. Lopez’s work was recently displayed at the Fenario Gallery as part of the September First Friday Art Walk.
About Metropolitan Affordable Housing Corporation
Based in Eugene, Ore., Metropolitan Affordable Housing Corporation is a nonprofit organization that builds high-quality, affordable housing in the Eugene/Springfield area. Metro’s communities serve as a catalyst – matching quality affordable housing with support services to promote growth and independence for residents. Formed in 1992 by a small group of leading citizens, Metro currently operates six affordable housing communities in Eugene/Springfield: Woodleaf Village, The Park at Emerald Village, College Corner, Oak Leaf Village, Green Leaf Village, and Apple Orchard. WestTown on 8th opened in May 2008, and offers 102 units of affordable housing and nine live/work commercial spaces in downtown Eugene.
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