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By Damon C. Williams
The Philadelphia Daily News
PHILADELPHIA — If art imitates life, then Philadelphia will become a beacon of peace and synergy if the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program has its way.
The program, continuing its “Cops & Kids” project, will have a community paint day today at the 25th and 26th District headquarters, 17th Street and Montgomery Avenue, in North Philadelphia.
“This is a wonderful way to kick off ‘Welcome America,’ and we’re honored that the mayor’s office asked us to participate,” said program founder and director Jane Golden.
“The wonderful thing about our community days is the coming together; the one thing that cops, kids and the community have in common is the love for the city, and it comes through in a striking way.”
The “Cops & Kids” project couples youth involved with the Adolescent Violence Reduction Program with police from various districts who paint murals together and, in the process, learn a bit more about each other - and themselves.
The “Cops & Kids” project has placed murals at the 17th District in Point Breeze and at the Boys & Girls Club in Feltonville.
Muralist Cesar Viveros will oversee the creation of a work depicting neighborhood protection and partnership.
“The work is designed by Cesar, and it’s very beautiful and inspiring,” Golden said. “It came out of a lengthy community process, and all the stakeholders worked hard on it.
“The design process is very inclusive and responsive to the needs of police officers and community members.”
Copyright 2008 The Philadelphia Daily News