Arts & Entertainment

Newtown Youth Academy Gets Artist's Touch

Blending sports and the arts? It's not done often, but an array of art will soon grace the walls of the Newtown Youth Academy nonetheless.

The non-profit sports and fitness center will welcome California-based artist Nichole Blackburn to decorate their "sterile walls" with murals of scenes depicting the Newtown community: as the NYA puts it, "strong, vibrant, courageous, and healthy."

Blackburn is the founder of Big Sky Countries, who have donated murals to children's facilities around the world, including the Philippines, Costa Rica, Bolivia, New Orleans and the Los Angeles area.

"I was moved by the fact the NYA gave parents a safe place to bring their children to play with friends, free from televisions and news crews," she said. Sharing the same value as Big Sky Countries, I knew I wanted to help the NYA in their journey of cultivating an environment where kids can be kids."

Big Sky Countries describes its work as "art as therapy," says Blackburn, a message that fits in well with the Newtown Youth Academy, according to its leaders.

"While 'therapy through play' is the organization’s primary means of helping our community to move forward, we recognize that the arts are equally healing," said NYA director Pete D'Amico. "I know that when the work is complete, our walls will match our spirits, and the spirit of those who use our facility to play, exercise and gather."

The mural painting is scheduled for later this month, with dates to be announced.


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