Sign of the Times
Press Release: "Multi-Cultural American Journey"

By Desiree Allen Graves
Washington AFRO Staff

MURAL ON CONSTITUTION AVE.

      Sign of the Times Cultural Workshop and Gallery Inc. unveiled the first phase of its 2,400 square foot mural recently at 12th and Constitution Ave. NW, at the site of the former Interstate Commerce Commission Building.

      The unveiling was followed by a free awards and fundraising ceremony at the Old Post Office Pavilion, 12th & Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.

      The purpose of the mural is to bridge cultural gaps through the creation of a vibrant and symbolic mural that represents aspects of the many cultures presented in American society today.

      The first phase of the "MultiCultural American Journey" mural, designed and painted by 30 District high school students under the guidance of three professional muralists, depicts aspects of Native, European, African- and Asian-American cultures through original, vibrant designs and motifs.

      The designs and motifs include an abstract of an owl used to represent Native American homage to the spirit of the owl; design patterns from European quilts used to symbolize European cultures; Egyptian hieroglyphics and West African Adinkra symbols, used to represent God's omnipotence, depicted in the Jamaican colors of red, yellow and green and Asian typography and symbols, including a dragon and crane, that represent peace, love and marriage.

      The multi-cultural theme of the mural allowed students to research and learn about cultures other than their own, while at the same time learn the fundamentals of mural design and creation.

      The student artists come from Duke Ellington, H.D. Woodson, Bell Multicultural, School Without Walls, Phelps and Spingarn Senior High Schools.

      The majority of the participating students are paid through D.C.'s SummerWorks Youth Program. The remaining students are volunteers. This mural is the largest, as well as the most prestigious and visible due to its prominent location, of the more than 30 Sign of the Times murals throughout the District.

      Phase two of the mural will be completed next Spring, with the last and final phase of the mural being completed in the Summer of 1999. Sign of the Times is soliciting private and corporate support for the completion of the mural. Tax deductible contributions may be forwarded to:
           Sign of the Times
           P.O. Box 64445
           Washington, D.C. 20029
           Attn: "ICC Mural Project"
           or call 202-399-3400.