Profiles in Courage Mural, 22′ x 25′, 2021
Beacon Charter High School, Woonsocket, RI
by Charles C. Clear III and Bonnie Lee Turner
Titled “Profiles in Courage”, this 22′ x 25′ mural was hand painted in August of 2021 on the exterior of Beacon Charter High School For The Arts at 320 Main Street in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.
In early 2021, Beacon Charter School put out a “Call to Artists” with a Request For Qualifications. We responded, as did a number of other artists. Out of this highly competitive field, we were chosen to paint the mural by a committee consisting of the Superintendent of the School, members of the Board of Directors, and the Mayor of the City.
The wall in question is in a very high profile spot in the center of the City, just across the street from the Stadium Theater. It occupies the third and fourth floor of the exterior of the School. The lower part of this wall was frequently getting tagged with graffiti. Beacon wanted a well painted Mural that would deter graffiti, fight urban blight, reflect the School’s diversity, and enhance the area for students, businesses, and residents. It was critical that the mural be well painted and well received. As the Client stated in the Call “the wall is in a highly visible area; one that receives more visitors than any other part of the City; and the Mural will have a strong impact on the neighborhood”.
The first step in the creation of a successful mural is to craft a successful design. We excel at interpreting a client’s vision or objectives, and then creating a mural design that meets or exceed their expectations. After submitting a variety of options, one particular design pleased every person on the committee and we received the green light to commence work on the mural.
The mural features a pretty, self assured young lady with her hands on her hips ready to take on the world. Behind her are three silhouetted profiles of students, with a graphic representing the rays of a beacon, like a lighthouse. The background was painted in Beacon’s school colors of Orange, Blue, Gray, and Navy Blue. The large profile on the right features Beacon’s motto “Accept, Create, Achieve”.
We painted the Mural in about two weeks time, transforming a graffiti covered old brick wall into an eye-catching, attention-getting work of art; a Mural that personifies the diversity, courage, and hope of the student body; one that will not attract graffiti; and one that is now a new treasured landmark in the City.
The Mural received overwhelming positive feedback, with coverage in local newspapers, and a lively presence on social media.
Contact me today for a custom designed mural on the exterior of your building!
Bonnie Lee Turner
bt@bonnieleeturner.com