Chicago, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/20/2014 -- Ranking 13th out of 77 communities, Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood had a calculated total of 1.7 violent crimes per 1,000 people in just the past 30 days. In neighboring 5th ranked Englewood, residents suffered 2.9 violent crimes per 1,000 people in the same period. One hopeful Arts organization and one community group have partnered together with the support of 20th Ward Alderman William B.Cochran and Metra to create and install a permanent mural or mosaic at the gateway between the Englewood and Woodlawn neighborhoods, at 63rd Street and Wallace Avenue. These two groups, EarthHeart Foundation and the Green Star Movement have launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring dreams of peace into reality through art.

EarthHeart Foundation focuses on bringing improvement to these two violent neighborhoods by working to honor and empower community mothers as change leaders and peace builders and is excited to partner with the Green Star Movement whose projects inspire students and community members to design and realize public art by using the designs and sweat equity of the youth and adults living in the neighborhood where the projects are located. Projects start with workshops teaching design and the necessary creation of the mural's micro elements. A non-profit organization, Green Star works closely with the community youth to install items such as the Bricolage, while also teaching them basic fundamentals of sculpture, mosaic, painting, and some construction techniques. Community Days will be held on September 13th, 20th and 27th from 10am-4pm where members of the community will meet to work on the mural.

All monies raised through this campaign by angel investors will provide the necessary materials and resources to complete the project to the level required. As Chicago's weather can pose challenges, Green Star has sourced frost-proof and weather resistant construction grade materials in order to allow the piece to last through Chicago's harsh and direct winter weather. Donor rewards include framed photos of the mural, a bit of art unto themselves, and acknowledgment on the mural itself.

For more information, visit ART THAT HEALS PEACE MURAL.

EarthHeart Foundation
P.O. Box 146337
Chicago, IL 60614

Contact: Deirdre Koldyke
Title: President & Founder
Phone: 312-259-1302
email: deirdre@earthheartfoundation.org