County to Unveil Art to Promote Gun Violence Prevention for Community at Upcoming Peace Builders Youth Summit
Art can illustrate a message, create unity and even encourage discussions about alternative solutions to an important issue for the community. That was the goal when Mecklenburg County in partnership with Arts and Science Council, commissioned five local artists to create artwork to promote gun violence prevention that would be shared with residents.
“Gun violence impacts all of us and we all feel the collective loss,” said Leslie Johnson, Mecklenburg deputy County manager. “The images are powerful, and it is clear that we all have a role to play in preventing gun violence in our community.”
The artwork will also be on display at the upcoming Peace-Builders Youth Summit hosted by Public Health Office of Violence Prevention and Park and Recreation.
Saturday, March 29, 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. at West Charlotte Recreation Center at 2401 Kendall Road.
“We are committed to addressing and reducing community violence, especially gun violence,” said Dr. Kimberly Scott, Mecklenburg County assistant Health director. “The Office of Violence Prevention’s Peace-Builders Youth Summit will provide an opportunity for our teens to raise awareness and help us craft solutions for preventing violence. The theme is ‘Violence Free, Begins With Me’ and the artwork will promote thoughtful discussions.”
The County will use the artwork at various locations to promote the message. The artwork will also continue to be on display at five Park and Recreation locations in the county. Locations and the titles of the artwork are below:
- Arbor Glen Recreation Center, 1520 Clanton Rd – “Inherent Dignity”
- West Charlotte Recreation Center, 2402 Kendall Dr. – “Am I Next?”
- Sugaw Creek Recreation Center, 943 W. Sugar Creek Rd. – “Growth Not Guns”
- Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center, 2921 Tuckaseegee Rd.- “Seeding Hope”
- Revolution Sports Academy and Park, 1225 Remount Rd. – “Out of the Streets, Into the Fields”