The Tarboro Road Community Center is sporting a new public artwork, “Finding I AM,” a mural created by Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) class of 2016 alumna Cianna Jackson with a BA in Visual Arts concentrating on Graphic Design. “I’m very grateful to the Visual Arts Program, Ms. Dallas, and Deborah for this opportunity,” says Cianna. “I’m thrilled I could use the experience I gained at SAU in my community and showcase my talents.”

This opportunity was brought to Cianna’s attention by her former professor, Linda Dallas, Assistant Professor of Visual Arts. “I am so happy that Cianna continues to share her generous heart and unique vision with the College Park community,” says Linda Dallas. “As always. I am so pleased when the abundant talent of SAU’s creative community is recognized.”

Raleigh Arts funded the project as part of Deborah Aschheim’s Raleigh Stories project. Cianna Jackson was one of 4 Raleigh artists that Aschheim selected to mentor through their first public art project. “Finding I AM” is an exciting beginning for Jackson’s public art journey.

Deborah observes, “One reason I loved working with Cianna and Professor Dallas’s students is that I think SAU students are motivated by powerful social justice, community, and spiritual themes. They don’t just want to make something nice-looking; they really want to connect with people through their art. That makes me really happy.”

The mural adorns the wall of the Community Center’s gymnasium. Inspiration for the mural came from Cianna’s work with young participants of the Saint Monica Teen Center’s summer program. Through hands-on activities, Jackson encouraged the teens to describe their unique qualities and how they can use them to better themselves for their future. She hopes the mural will inspire everyone visiting the Community Center to consider their life purpose. The staff at the Tarboro Road Center were eager to demonstrate the unique feature of “Finding I AM.” When the gymnasium is lit with ultra-violet light, the mural glows. This makes it a real hit with black-light sports fans.

To get the community involved, specifically the teens associated with the center, and to showcase the mural, the Tarboro Road Community Center will facilitate a black light dodgeball game on Tuesday, April 30th, at 4 p.m. in the Tarboro Road Community Center gymnasium.

Learn more about the “Finding I AM” mural here.

Learn more about the Saint Augustine’s University Visual Arts Program here.

Learn more about the Tarboro Road Community Center here.