City of Refuge Mural – Phase 2 & 3

May 9, 2012

Over the last week a lot of work has been done on the mural at City of Refuge in Atlanta.

Phase 2: Last Thursday an army of volunteers from the Atlanta Falcons and The Arthur Blank Foundation descended upon City of Refuge. Between 15 and 20 people helped paint all the colors on my mural. I had created an 80 foot long coloring book and they filled in the blanks. I made a color chart for the team to use as a guide. They arrived in their bus, had a pep talk from Pastor Bruce and went to work; no messing around.

Brushes started moving and within just a few minutes the wall began to fill with color. I walked back and forth and answered questions, poured paint, washed brushes and told everyone to not worry about being perfect. I told them they were doing great and I was happy they were there to assist me. I really was amazed at how fast the wall transitioned from black lines to full color. Looking back on it I find it even more amazing.

If I had known ahead of time I would have shined my shoes and combed my hair because Falcons Coach Mike Smith, Falcons CEO Rich McKay and Owner Arthur Blank all were there to help the team finish by lunch. I was even interviewed by a camera crew. What a day!

Phase 3: This week I returned to finish the wall. I wanted to do some shading work and add a lot of details. I should learn that things will always take longer to complete than you initially think they will. This time I was in the room all by myself; just the paint and me. I had my nose to the wall for a while and was working on tiny lines and finishing touches. I stood up and stepped backed and realized that the volunteer team and myself had created something really wonderful. I know the children who will use the playground will be filled with happiness and imagination as they play next to the mural. I was pleased.

I want to thank City of Refuge for this great opportunity. I also want to thank all of the people that painted with me. You all were very friendly and I enjoyed spending the day with you. Your work was greatly appreciated. Rise Up!

Here are some photos of the finished wall.

Read about Phase 1 here.

Watch a short video featuring the painting here.

New: Falcons Rise-Up produced this TV commercial featuring the work we did that day.

– kyle