The Jersey City Youth Mural Arts Program is celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of transforming the city’s urban landscape into a vibrant outdoor art gallery.To commemorate this milestone, a special event will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024 featuring the opening of a gallery art exhibition and the premiere screening of the short documentary ARTISTS THAT INSPIRE FUTURE GENERATIONS. Directed by artist Duda Penteado and produced by Unshakeable Productions, the documentary showcases the work of the 2024 JCYMAP participants and their contributions to this year’s mural project.“Duda Penteado has been a driving force in our burgeoning arts community, and we are grateful for his dedication to mentoring and inspiring young artists,” Mayor Steven Fulop said. “Since the launch of our mural program 11 years ago, we have transformed the city with over 200 large-scale murals that breathe life into our buildings and neighborhoods… and celebrate Jersey City’s vibrant culture, enhance our public spaces, and foster a deep sense of community pride.”Penteado, Creative Director of JCYMAP, emphasized the significance of the program, stating that this anniversary is “a powerful reminder that our journey is an incredible opportunity to empower and shape the consciousness of this generation. It embodies not only the vibrant murals that now adorn the city’s walls but also the transformative journeys of the young artists who created them.”This year’s mural celebrates art’s historical role in shaping human culture, highlighting how artists have driven social change and influenced progress. Students worked closely with instructors to decide on the final layout, ultimately featuring figures such as J.M.W. Turner, Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, Kara Walker, and others.The program, supported by the Jersey City Department of Recreation and Youth Development and led by Penteado and fine artist and muralist Catherine Hart, is designed to give young people practical experience in public art creation. In 2024, 25 students aged 13 to 25 participated in the six-week workshop, where they learned public art techniques such as concept development, surface preparation, design scaling, paint application, and outdoor art preservation. The program aims to develop artistic skills while also encouraging community dialogue.The 10th-anniversary celebration will continue with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 26, followed by mural tours and an open gallery exhibition. Both events will take place at JC WALLS at 90 Forrest Street in Communipaw.The post Youth Mural Program Marks 10 Years With Celebrations, Gallery & Documentary Featuring Young Artists appeared first on Jersey City Times.