Lead artist and educator Richard Ward designed this colorful graphic mural based on traditional African geometric patterns for the Teens With a Purpose Vivian C. Mason Center on Olney Rd. The mural reads “What’s The Word”, taken from spoken word performer of the 70’s and 80’s Gil Scott-Heron (from the song “Johannesburg”). Richard worked with summer camp students and TWP leaders to complete the project.
Having worked with the Norfolk Art’s summer program to complete three murals, Richard has mastered his technique of forming shapes and symbols to create relief murals molded of Styrofoam and Parex mounted on Hardibacker board. He has also established a technique of creating a superior fade resistant finish using vibrant colors.
We love to see our artists move on to complete additional public art projects. Most recently in 2020, Richard began a series of 8 murals for the North Phoebus Community Center in Hampton. See pictures on Richard’s about me page.
