By DONNA KENNY KIRWAN

PAWTUCKET — A wall on an East Avenue restaurant that had been a frequent target of unsightly graffiti has been transformed into a thing of beauty, thanks to the efforts of local youths involved in the Project Peace program.

Entitled “Healing,” the large-scale mural adorns the back of Jaccs Wraps, an eatery located at 385 East Ave. A dedication ceremony for the brightly colored mural was held on Thursday morning, in which Mayor James E. Doyle, and representatives of both Project Peace and the Woodlawn Weed & Seed program spoke about the importance of the project for those who worked on it as well as the residents of Woodlawn.
Paris Fisher, director of Project Peace, said the painting is one of just several ways that his group tries to educate local youths about embracing the positive side of life and to encourage them to be a role model to others. “Through music, art, dance, however we can, we try to use the gifts that we have to relay messages of peace, hope, promise and future,” he said.
Fisher said that, as with the wall of Jacs Wraps, Project Peace will seek to beautify the walls of other places that have been targeted with graffiti and vandalism in an effort to improve the neighborhood and encourage healing.
Fisher said the mural was designed by members of Project Peace and was painted by a core group of youths over an eight-day period. The mural features a large flower that symbolizes patience, and he said there are plans underway to paint more such murals at locations around town that will continue the flower symbolism.
Fisher noted that Project Peace, which began at Shea High School and now involves several Shea alumni, has been expanded to include a mentoring program involving the younger teens at Jenks Junior High.
He credited the sponsors of the project, including Woodlawn Weed & Seed, the U.S. Department of Justice, which provided grant money, and Home Depot for donating paint and supplies, as well as the Woodlawn Community Center, which provides meeting space for Project Peace.
Mayor James E. Doyle said the Project Peace mural that covers up graffiti “is an ideal example of turning a negative into a positive.” “I was very impressed by the young people who were involved here. To come up with an idea such as this and then execute it shows what you can accomplish when everybody gets together,” he stated.
Ameth Alzate, the owner of Jacs Wraps, said he has known Fisher, a Pawtucket native, since he was a youngster and praised him for his efforts with the city’s youth. “We’re very excited about the mural. The response we’ve gotten from the medical center next door and others who have seen it so far is very positive,” he said. He added that the back wall of his restaurant, which was previously non-descript, is now highly visible to motorists on Pawtucket Avenue. “It’s a win-win situation,” he said.

Den Soch, executive director of Woodlawn Community Development Corporation, also praised Fisher and Project Peace, saying the organization provides “ an opportunity for the youth of the Woodlawn community to do great things.” Of the completed mural, he added, “It’s also a great way to end the summer and to start the new school year.”
-30-