CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – “Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin joined the Office Of Public Art – Charleston, WV, Charleston, WV Parks and Recreation, community leaders, mural participants and others [on Monday] to dedicate the MLK Mural Project and celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s ‘I have a dream’ speech at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center.
‘Today, we celebrate the many folks who came together to create this vibrant mural which showcases the creative and energetic spirit of our community,’ said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. ‘May this mural serve as a reminder of our commitment to honoring the memory and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’
‘When we developed the concept for this public art project, we wanted to make sure it showcased the diversity in our community through inclusion. Nearly 30 virtual and public workshops were conducted guiding community members of all ages in the creation of over 1,300 self-portraits,’ said Jeff Pierson, Director of Public Art.
In February 2020, the City of Charleston Office of Public Art set out to create one of the largest participatory murals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – measuring approximately 17’ x 67’ and being composed of more than 1,300 hand painted self-portraits and a chromatic portrait of Martin Luther King, Jr. which measures 14’ x 17’ and which was painted by community members during a paint party. Nearly 40 workshops were held in schools, community centers and virtually.@
