In Steubenville, a man named Joe Leonard is making a difference in his hometown through art. He’s painting a massive mural on the south side of the Urban Mission’s headquarters, showing his support for a local charity.
Leonard has always enjoyed drawing, but it wasn’t until later in life that he pursued art seriously. After taking courses at the Laguna College of Art and Design in California, he discovered a newfound passion. His latest work, a colorful 3,224-square-foot mural, is not only his largest but also his first mural ever.
Leonard approached Rev. Kimberly Arbaugh, the mission’s director, to discuss his idea. He was inspired by the mission’s efforts to aid those in need and hoped to contribute to their cause. Arbaugh was thrilled, especially since the mural’s timing coincided with Hunger Action Month, a national initiative that encourages support for food pantries.
The Urban Mission serves between 4,000 to 6,000 families every month. This year alone, they’ve assisted over 30,000 households. They rely on non-perishable donations, especially as the holidays approach, and community drive efforts from churches, schools, and local businesses have been key to their success.
Leonard spent nearly two weeks on the mural, starting his work by prepping the wall with pressure washing and priming. Despite facing some weather challenges, he painted a vibrant fruit basket that now brightens the wall. Arbaugh mentioned the mural not only beautifies the area but also serves as a guiding landmark for those new to the mission.
As Leonard wraps up the mural, he plans to return soon to apply a protective coat. His volunteer work is deeply appreciated by the mission team, who view this project as a wonderful gift to the community. The mural stands as a testament to what one person can achieve when they choose to give back.
In today’s world, acts of kindness like Leonard’s are more important than ever, especially as food insecurity remains a pressing issue nationwide. According to the USDA, around 10.5% of U.S. households were food insecure at some point in 2021. In times like these, local efforts to support food banks and charities can make a huge difference.
To stay connected with the Urban Mission and learn more about how to help, you can visit their website for more details on food drives and volunteer opportunities.
Source link
Local News,Mural offers color and visibility to Urban Mission food programNews,Mural offers color and visibility to Urban Mission food program
