The "Flight, Freedom and Dreams" Mural project was a collaboration between VSA arts of Vermont, Howard Community Services, the Community Justice Center and Straight Talk Vermont to prevent graffiti by increasing the presence of the arts in downtown Burlington. Starting in August of 2002, VSA arts of Vermont instructor Kate Hodges led a Can Do Arts class (part of our year-round series of performing and visual arts classes with adults with developmental disabilities). The theme of birds quickly rose to the forefront of everyone's mind and became the focal point of the mural. Participants kept journals throughout the class to record thoughts, poems and sketches that would be incorporated into the mural.

The process of preparing and painting the mural brought in many community members. Local businesses generously donated materials and expertise. As the process continued, people walking by would offer their support and a few actually joined us to paint the fluid, dynamic birds. The mural inspired a second Can Do Arts class that combined poetry and music to create a performance for the official opening event. By the time the mural was completed, over 40 people had contributed to its creation. We feel lucky to have had the chance to beautify our city and foster a positive community project for people of all abilities.

Here are some photos from the project.