FEATURE: A brush of empowerment
The project started out as a tribute to youngsters who have fallen victim to gang violence, rape and other crimes.
CAPE TOWN, April 22 (ANA) – A man from Atlantis who initially painted murals of slain victims of violence has used this opportunity to empower the youth and start a project called 7349 Art Crew.
Carl Erasmus, 46, from Sherwood Park, is an avid painter who devoted his time after the community was left reeling by the violent death of teenager Jordan Moore.
He decided to channel the grief towards creating a wall to honour all the youngsters who have fallen victim to gang violence, rape and other crimes.
Speaking to the African News Agency (ANA), Erasmus said he discussed the idea of starting a mural art project and advertised his idea on Facebook in March.
“A few parents responded to my post on Facebook and asked me if their children could join the project.
“The first project we did was a mural for a soup kitchen in Extension 12. Another soup kitchen then contacted us and we did a mural there as well,” Erasmus said.
He said he saw how committed the group was, so when he was notified about a wall in the Protea Park area, he decided to give the team members a wall each.
“During our first project we had a workshop because at first many could not paint. Some of them could draw and I assisted them in showing them how to design and enlarge their drawings.
“During the workshop I also explained the use of paintbrushes, when to use what paintbrush, as well as what colours to use at what time during your mural,” Erasmus told ANA.
The project has 14 youth members so far and has become so popular that parents have also joined in the fun with their children.
Erasmus said the project is open to anyone from the age of seven.
He said no drawing experience is needed; if you can “colour between the lines”, you can join the project.
“Many times when we are painting in areas there are children playing around who do not belong to the project. But, what I do is, I call them up and have them join us,” he said.
Erasmus is also busy registering the 7349 Art Project as a non-profit organisation (NPO).
However, as with any project, they are in dire need of assistance.
“The paint we use I buy from my own pocket. We got three tins from one business but that was about it. I would also like to get T-shirts for the crew so they can feel they belong to something.
“We are in need of paint and painting essentials, such as paintbrushes and more,” Erasmus told ANA.
If you would like to donate anything towards the project, please contact Carl on 063 974 0597.
The project has become quite popular and on Saturday, April 24, the group has been invited to paint a mural at the Sea Point Rotary Club.
– African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Yaron Blecher
