A mural created at Our SPOT

Lake Los Angeles – Our SPOT – Stephen Sorensen Park - Art appreciation significantly impacts children's lives by encouraging and envisioning creativity, it fosters emotional intelligence and enhances critical thinking skills, it brings out their organizational skills. Children need to be exposed to art, but just as much, they need to be encouraged to create their own art and be the artist they envision. Thus, the idea of a mural in their room developed.

Music Changing Lives is an organization dedicated to providing high-quality music and art enrichment programs, along with academic support, to underprivileged and at-risk youth ages five and older. Their mission is to improve the chances of these young people achieving a positive and successful future by transforming them into active and knowledgeable civic participants. They believe that music and art are vital for young people to become well-rounded and productive members of society.

Music Changing Lives partnered with Lake Los Angeles Our SPOT members to bring a mural to their room at the park. The children made their own choices of what they wanted on their wall.

They wanted something representative of their community and familiar surroundings they experience on a daily basis. They wanted a reflection of what was and what is. That included the lake for water, sunsets, lizards, wildflowers, wildlife, coyotes, jack rabbits, cactus and snakes.

Program Director Ms. Leslie Merino remarked, "Music Changing Lives thrives to incorporating music and art in building our students leadership and confidence. We want to create change and impact in our youth community. A lasting legacy that will forever shape their future.”

The attached pictures of the mural depict the choices the children made together as a team. This artwork not only reflects the community's values but also embodies the appreciation the children have for their park, their neighborhood, and the opportunities made possible through the park's ongoing commitment to supporting and serving Lake Los Angeles families in various meaningful ways.

Enjoy each photo.

Click on each photo see full size.