Courtesy of Tumbleweed, July 25, 2016.
Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development launched the "Wonderwall" artworkproject in an effort to find five local artists to transform the blank exterior east-facing wall of the organization's new center, located at 428 N. 24th St. in Phoenix.
The project seeks to identify artists who will convert five panels on the Phoenix Youth Resource Center into messages of “Hope, Strength and a Brighter Tomorrow” for the homeless youth who use Tumbleweed services. Local artists are invited to enter their vision for consideration via tumbleweedwonderwall.hscampaigns.com.
Five will be selected to transform the blank exterior wall of a building on a busy Phoenix street – which, according to traffic experts, has an estimated 105,000 vehicles pass by it each week – into inspirational art.
“The 'Wonderwall' contest is open to all local artists,” said Cynthia Schuler, Tumbleweed chief executive officer. “An internal panel will select 10 finalists and we will post those entries to get public feedback,” she said. “Tumbleweed’s internal decision will be final,” she added.
The venture is inspired by the Oasis song of the same name; whose lyrics include: “Because maybe, you’re gonna be the one that saves me. And after all, you’re my wonderwall.”
“Each artist will be responsible for one panel,” Schuler said. “There are actually six panels on the new center ... but one will remain blank for future artists and to symbolize that the future offers opportunity, hope and never-ending possibilities.”
The "Wonderwall" will be unveiled during a ribbon cutting for the Youth Resource Center, scheduled for late September.
The north 24th Street facility was renovated by Tumbleweed in order to expand services and provide a better environment for youth, from new shower facilities to better lighting. It replaces a smaller Resource Center near 16th Street and McDowell Road. Young people from teenagers to age 25 can sign in at the Center to receive food, clothing, laundry and shower faculties, internet access, pet care and the opportunity to meet with Tumbleweed staff to design comprehensive plans to transition away from homelessness.
To apply, visit tumbleweedwonderwall.hscampaigns.com and complete the submission for. The entry deadline is midnight Sept. 2, 2016.
For more information, questions can be directed towonderwall@tumbleweed.org.
About Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development
Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development is a Phoenix-based nonprofit serving homeless, runaway and other young people in need ages 12 to 25 throughout Maricopa County. Tumbleweed provides traumatized young people a safe environment to heal and begin to meet the challenges of early adulthood through coordinated case management that includes counseling, emergency shelter, drop-in service centers, family reunification, high school and GED/HSE educational services, vocational, job development and employment services, long term transitional housing and street-level outreach.
Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development
428 N. 24th St.
Facebook: facebook.com/TumbleweedCenter