Young artists create murals for Peoples park

Peoples Park has a variety of murals on the wall, but what many might not know is the artists behind the murals are less than the age of 18.

At 3 p.m. Friday, Rhino’s Youth Center will unveil its new murals at Peoples Park.
The artists who participate in the murals are a part of Rhino’s after school program for students of all ages.

“Rhino’s provides a really awesome resource, alternative to what is offered from their high schools,” Mural program director Liv Mershon said. “We try to make it fun and help produce awesome pieces of art that students feel good about.”

Originally started in 1992, Rhino’s was known as the Harmony Education Center and started as a music club.

Later the organization grew into an after school program and youth outreach. This enabled Rhino’s to become a member of the Monroe County United Way.

“We have a lot of programs at Rhino’s,” said Mershon. “We do youth journalism, youth radio, youth video and youth mural projects.”

Rhino’s also produces concerts nearly every weekend. Teens learn how to book bands, promote shows and operate a small performance venue.

“Before I started coming here, I wasn’t involved in any art,” said Jackson Maier, mural painter and ninth grade club member. “Participating has made me want to pursue art.”

Marshon said Friday’s event is a celebration and thank you to ArtsWeek.

“The event is made to draw attention to the workspace and give more opportunities to the youth,” Mershon said.

With a waitlist in past years, the mural paintings have gained a lot of popularity.

“Before now there has only been one spot for the murals to go up,” Mershon said. “That is why there was a waiting list. We at Rhino’s don’t emphasize competition.”

Aside from the many youth program participants, Rhino’s highly encourages and seeks volunteers to work with the students, Mershon said.

“If people have special skills such as book binding or playing an instrument and would like to teach a workshop, that would be awesome,” Mershon said.

With it’s many projects Rhino’s has become well known in the Bloomington area and around the nation. Rhino’s has had interviews with Spin magazine and participants on MTV’s “Made”.

“I think it’s important because there are lots of great programs here,” said Maier. “They do things regular high schools don’t do.”