 The mission of the YMCA is to "put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all."
You can read more about the YMCA mural project in Florida Today by clicking here.
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STAR projects always begin with a series of training sessions. The participants learn specialized mural painting
techniques and work on the design of the finished mural. STAR members are able to assess the strengths of each of the
kids so that they can be assigned tasks where they are bound to excel.
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The first weekend of painting produced the background image. The artists set to work roughing in the shapes of
the colorful fish that will decorate the seascape.
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Many of the participants had never pressed a paintbrush against a wall before, but you would never know it by
looking at the quality of their work.
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The kids take a break long enough to pose for a group photograph.
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The detail work begins. The artists use brushes, sponges, their fingers - whatever it takes to get the effect
that they desire.
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STAR staff members work side by side with the teenagers.
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More important than anything else is the amount of fun these young people have doing their work.
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There is a great amount of satisfaction in seeing the project through, and discovering the talents that may
have lay dormant in some.
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The painting is done, but the project is far from finished. A week after the paint has dried, the teens gather
with their friends and families for the dedication of the mural.
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The mural is unveiled for everyone to enjoy. Each of the students takes up a brush once more and signs
their autograph onto the finished work.
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Some people are skeptical when they hear about STAR. They don't believe that teenagers are capable of producing
quality work...
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But the finished painting at the YMCA proves that not only are these young people capable, they are above the task -
having produced a beautiful, professional mural that will stand as a testament to their skills for years to come!
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