We connect community resources in drama, art, music, and movement to work with some of Pittsburgh and Chicago's most at-risk members, our youth, and help them address the issue of violence.

Through the arts, Murals hopes to spark new interest and encourage youth to reconsider their social and educational choices.

Students will explore the issue of violence during our after school program, which includes three unique modules of visual arts, drama and music & movement. Local teaching artists will use their craft as a tool to tackle these social issues, creating a safe community for students to share and learn.

• Through visual arts, students will explore their literal and emotional experiences of violence, and envision alternatives.


• Students will investigate the concepts of cooperation, conflict resolution, and empathy through drama.


• Through movement and music, students will focus on emotional expression, cultural sensitivity, and personal safety.

Students are be evaluated before, during, and after Murals to ensure program effectiveness. As a culminating event, students will share what they have created and learned at a Community Peace Party designed for parents, children, and community leaders. Using the arts to address issues of violence, students will find new positive ways to express their voice.