They say doors symbolize opportunity.
If so, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta has 75 waiting to be opened.
The organization recently launched the "75 Blue Doors" project, in which 25 local artists volunteered to participate in a public arts project by interviewing youth and staffers at clubs throughout the metro area and then telling their stories through artwork using 75 donated doors.
The doors have been on display at various sites in the metro area but will all be together for the first time during a one-day, free exhibit at at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Youth Art Connection, 63 Auburn Ave.
“We want people to know what the Boys & Girls Clubs in the area are doing for kids and teens and how they support their academic success, character, leadership and healthy lifestyles,” said Melanie Nellis Buckmaster, senior director of marketing and communications. It was also a way for the organization to celebrate its 75th anniversary.
During the exhibit, those attending will have a chance to meet the artists, the youth and staffers. The doors are available to buy for $250 each.
The BGCMA serves more than 15,000 children and teens each year helps at-risk youth develop character and leadership skills. It operates 24 clubs in 10 counties, Camp Kiwanis, a 160-acre residential camp and the Youth Art Connection, a gallery and workshop for aspiring young artists.
The "75 Blue Doors" project was the brainchild of a group of business and civic leaders from Leadership Atlanta's Class of 2013. The artists were recruited through WonderRoot, an Atlanta-based nonprofit arts organization.
“I could see parallels between their lives and mine,” said artist Kris Pilcher, who won the top prize for his three doors. Pilcher used actual blueprints to indicate the youth and staffer had plans for their futures.
Then, he painted their images“I’m making plans for my own future and just following a very specific outline. The children I met are doing the same.”
He spent some time with 15-year-old Sir Dalvin Holloman of Decatur, who attends George Washington Carver Boys & Girls Club. As much as he impressed Pilcher, Holloman also was inspired by the artist.
“I always strive to be better,” said Holloman, who wants to be an engineer. He said they talked about his goals and what motivates him and why he likes the club so much. “I love going to the club,” he said. “It’s a place to grown and learn. There’s always somebody there to lean on when you’re down or need advice.”
Another teen member is Brejai Ball, a student at Central Gwinnett High School, from the Lawrenceville Boys & Girls Club in Gwinnett, who inspired the door titled "The Happy Chef" by Jessica Caldas. The door shows a smiling Ball flanked by other images of her stirring a pot and cooking.
Ball said she wants to become a chef and perhaps own her own restaurant when she gets older. She said she almost cried when she saw her image on the door.
“They taught me a lot about life, how to carry myself as a young lady and how to become a leader. I could write a book about everything I’ve learned.”
The project could have a ripple effect.
Several artists said they are considering doing more with the the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta.
Craig “Flux” Singleton, an illustrator, graphic designer and painter, once taught art at one of the clubs.
“It was joyful to hear some of the things they (the youth) wanted to do,” he said. “It just took me back to when I was younger. When you’re in the early stages of life, you want a perfect world.”
His subjects include youths from Trinidad and one from Mexico. He includes their comments in comic-strip bubbles, using words like “Who needs a war?” and “love peace and animals”.
“I really wanted to show their personalities,” he said.
He said he would consider going to back to help on specific projects.
“Some of them don’t have life coaches,” he said. “Depending on the lifestyle the children have at home, it might be difficult for some of them to have positive role models. The club is essential in that sense.”
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