Big changes are happening at United Food Bank and coming to life in full color.
If you have been to the volunteer center recently, you may have noticed that the walls look different. With the help of a talented group of young artists from Mesa Youth Creative Agency (MYCA), United Food Bank began the exciting new project of transforming the volunteer center. Kicking off the project in November, this collaboration brought to life a vibrant mural to help highlight United Food Bank’s core mission of serving the Arizona community.
The mural was born from a simple conversation between United Food Bank and Arizona Cardinals player Kelvin Beachum. As a longtime United Food Bank and MYCA supporter, Beachum played a key role in connecting the two organizations to make the project a reality.
After brainstorming different ideas, the artists were ready to get to work. For several weeks, the five MYCA artists developed mood boards and rough sketches. The artists could then present two to three of their best designs to the United Food Bank staff.
Bailey Vidler, MYCA’s Paint Studio Manager, was integral in guiding the artists through the creative process. She also managed all the logistics to ensure the project ran smoothly. For Vidler, United Food Bank’s new tagline, “Strength and Unity. Food For All,” was a significant source of inspiration that helped guide her throughout the project.
“The new tagline, you know, we had that written up on our notes as we were brainstorming,” explained Vidler. “So every single time we were sketching, I kept reminding the teens, like, this is the core message. This is what we always circle back to. So that’s ultimately what we want the mural to convey.”
Ultimately, the winning design was inspired by United Food Bank’s diverse communities. Showcasing United Food Bank’s 20,000-square-mile service area, the mural includes elements of some of the East Valley’s most iconic landscapes and buildings, including the Gilbert Water Tower, Mesa Arts Center, the Pinal County Courthouse in Florence, the Superstition Mountains, and of course, saguaro cacti.
This project was more than just some paint on the walls. For Stephanie Torris, one of the MYCA students involved, this project provided a significant opportunity to grow as an artist.
“I have never done a project like a mural before,” said Torris. “When I got the opportunity to do it, I was very excited because of the idea of having art I helped make in a public space where everyone can see it. It is a really exciting thought.”
Vidler also reflected on the project. From her perspective, it had a massive impact on the artists. She hopes that working on it allowed them to feel confident and empowered as artists.
“Their art is immortalized on a wall in this important facet of our community,” said Vidler. “I think that’s very empowering for them at their age to have that opportunity. They’re getting all this experience before they even graduate high school, and that’s just going to set them up for success later in their life.”
But all the artists can agree that their favorite part of working on this project was how it brought them closer together as friends and as a team.
“I think we did a good job on this mural and am really proud of the work we put into it. But also the connections I made through this mural. I definitely grew a lot closer to my coworkers through this mural,” said Brooklyn Gardner, another MYCA artist.
The project’s significance extended beyond the artists and the walls of United Food Bank. Beachum is incredibly excited about how the mural will foster unity and inspire others to give back to the community.
“I am really just excited to see partners from different walks of life, different parts of the Valley to pull it together to do something that I think is going to be special and something that people will enjoy when they walk through these doors,” said Beachum.
Art has always been a powerful way to connect people. This mural serves as a perfect reminder of United Food Bank’s mission: uniting communities to alleviate hunger. Through the collaboration of Kelvin Beachum, United Food Bank, and Mesa Youth Creative Agency, this vibrant artwork highlights the impact we can make when we come together and unite behind a common cause.
To learn more about MYCA and see their past projects, visit their website at mycreativeagency.org/.
And to stay up-to-date on all the exciting things happening at United Food Bank, visit our website at unitedfoodbank.org or follow us on social media @UnitedFoodBank.
Communications and Grants Specialist
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