ROCKLAND — Youth artists from Oceanside High School worked with Arts in Action (AiA) community mural program to create a vibrant floor painting for the Coastal Recovery Community Center (CRCC) located in the basement of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, at 11 White Street, in downtown Rockland.

Nine youth artists developed collaborative drawings and concepts in AiA workshops with imagery that includes waves, vines, flowers, helping hands, and butterflies – all to illustrate the theme of "Hope and Power of Change" presented by CRCC. With the help of 18 volunteers of all ages, including seven OHS students, the first of two floor paintings was completed in February.

The project was initiated by Erin Hustus, CRCC co-director, through connections made at the RSU13 Youth Alliance, a collective of over 15 organizations that support and engage with Rockland area youth. The CRCC exists to support and educate those affected by drug addiction and offers a safe, sober and supportive space all-ages, all paths to recovery. Neighboring organizations also at 11 White St. are:

Restorative Justice Project Maine works to promote justice that is community-based, repairs harm and creates safety and well-being for all across its mid-coast service area of Knox, Waldo, Lincoln, and Sagadahoc counties; 

Volunteers of America Provides services to individuals involved in the criminal justice system in three areas, deflection/diversion from incarceration, programs while incarcerated and post release support in both Waldo and Knox County, Maine.

Founded in 2012, Arts in Action is a program of RSU13 Adult and Community Education with support from the ANONIMO Foundation. For more information about AiA and to register youth for our FREE programs, please contact Mural Director: Alexis Iammarino, rasaartsinaction@gmail.com.