Youth tackle temptation with art
Kristian McDonald, 17, Gail Shorthill, 23, and Stefanie Mertsch, 17, are three of 12 youth who crafted the mural “Temptation” now hanging at Centennial Centre in Langford.
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Updated: July 09, 2009 3:22 PM
At first glance the mural can be confusing — befitting of its inspiration.
Swirled together in darkness and light, small symbols march across the canvas. Each represents an individual’s fight against temptation, whatever form it might take.
“Sex, drugs, alcohol ... it’s all temptation,” said 17-year-old Stefanie Mertsch, one of 12 youth who worked on the mural. “Temptation is everywhere. You just have to get past it.”
The mural was a joint project between West Shore Parks and Recreation and The Pathway Project, which helps connect youth to employment.
Guided by artist Melanie Schambach, the participants created the mural through a month-long process of writing, theatre and painting.
The four workshops were designed to help tease out students’ thoughts about temptation, a theme they chose themselves. Some were skeptical at first, but as they let themselves go they were able to see elements of self discovery, Schambach said.
Some people have a misconception about painting, Schambach said. They are so used to expecting the end result that they forget it’s the experience between start and finish that really matters, she said.
It’s the first time Pathway students have undertaken an art project like this, said Pathway co-ordinator Jennifer Harrison.
“They are talented, they are successful and they can contribute to the beauty in this community,” Harrison said.
While only three participants were able to be at the unveiling, they agreed that when people look at the mural they should see the hard work that went into it. Everyone has been through so many different stages of life, said participant Gail Shorthill, 23, yet the image came together so well. That highlights a common link between people.
“We all have temptations,” Mertsch said. “It’s easier to deal with it when you are not alone.”
The mural is on display, at the youth room in Centennial Centre, 2805 Carlow Rd.
To watch a short video on the making of the mural go to www.melanieschambach.com. Click on Community Cultural Development, Speak Projects and finally “Temptations.”
reporter@goldstreamgazette.com
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