Students plan mural for Athens

by Erica Solvig
THE POST

Six Athens youth sat in front of the art wall behind Seigfred Hall Tuesday night discussing its colors, words and symbolism.

Afterward, they returned to the basement of United Campus Ministry, 18 N. College Ave., and tore into numerous art books.

This research is part of the students' planning process for an outdoor mural, said Lisa Trocchia, a muralist who is working with the students. About 10 to 12 Athens youth, ages 13-18, have been meeting with Trocchia for three weeks, planning a mural.

"It's a chance, in a university town, for teens to have a voice," she said.

Although the mural's design has not been finalized, the youths plan to use symbols and words to convey their messages, Trocchia said. They also are considering the use of colors and borders.

"I want it to be something you see for a long time," said Erika Hedin, a freshman at Athens High School. "Symbols gain meaning over the years."

The mural's location has not been decided. The group will work with City Council to get a site in Athens, Trocchia said.

"We've got our eyes on a couple of good spots," she said. They want the mural to be accessible without the use of scaffolding or heavy equipment.

The students want to paint the mural in an open area, preferably away from Ohio University's campus. They have some concerns about painting over the bricks, Trocchia said.

The students also are concerned about possible graffiti. They hope that with more people involved, the chance for graffiti will be reduced, Trocchia said.

"If (people) see it, they may want to stop and chip in," said Jesse Hathaway, a sixth grader at Athens Elementary. "Its not just for kids but for people of all ages."

Painting will begin in June, after school ends for the summer. Students who did not attend the meetings still are welcome to paint, she said.

"Kids can participate in any part of it," Trocchia said.

The project, sponsored by Rural Action and the TEAM Athens County Youth Coalition, is the first in a series of murals planned for Athens county communities, said Cathleen Tracy, community coordinator of TEAM Athens. In Albany, another group of students also is working on a mural.

"The idea is to promote healthy lifestyle choices and provide a positive recreational opportunity for teenagers in the area," she said. "The group is easygoing, warm and very excited about the mural."

The murals and some other TEAM Athens projects are being funded by a $48,500 Drug Free Community Coalition Grant from the state. The goal is to reduce underage drinking in students by giving them an alternative, Tracy said.

Meetings for the mural are held Tuesdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the UCM basement. The last meeting is scheduled for May 16.