Arthur R. Edington Education and Career Center Gets a Mural Makeover with the Help of Youth
The Arthur R. Edington Education and Career Center, located in the Southside neighborhood received a mural makeover, thanks to a collaborative effort led by Ian Wilkinson with the Asheville Mural Project. Three youth groups spent a week painting the three panels installed on the exterior of the building. The Asheville Housing Authority received funding from Buncombe County’s Diversity Fund and private donations to complete the mural.
Wilkinson assigned local artist CJ Randall and intern Julia Schniedewind to the complete the task of gathering community input and developing a mural design. Randall says “At its heart, the mural is about being inspired to take a path in Life and make something of one’s self, the value of an education in pursuing that goal, the bonds of family and community, the joy of music, and the heroes that shape us.”
Photo courtesy of Asheville Housing Authority
Participants included Residents’ Council’s “Black Live Matter Summer Camp” participants, Hood Huggers International summer camp program participants led by DeWayne Barton, and Asheville GreenWorks youth education leadership program participants. Additionally, Barton was integral to acquiring the sources of funding for the project.
Gene Bell, CEO of Asheville Housing Authority, says “A core principal in our vision for the building is engagement of the surrounding community.” As such, the renovation of the building itself provided ongoing opportunities to train and employ locals, especially public housing residents. The creation and installation of the mural are indicative of our commitment to this building remaining a beacon of hope, opportunity and change.
The Asheville Housing Authority purchased the building from the City of Asheville in 2012. The once African-American Livingston Street School was a Parks and Recreation center after integration of the school systems. After a three year renovation by the Asheville Housing Authority, the building was dedicated as the Arthur R. Edington Education and Career Center on November 1, 2014. Arthur R. Edington was the last principal to serve when the building was operated as an elementary school.
Max Hunt grew up in South (New) Jersey and graduated from Warren Wilson College in 2011. History nerd; art geek; connoisseur of swimming holes, hot peppers, and plaid clothing. Follow me @J_MaxHunt
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