Community changes neighborhood through art

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington community is making a difference in one neighborhood — with art.

Artist Janna Robertson said a little art is something anyone can do to make Wilmington a better place.

“If it was ugly and unsightly and unsafe, then it’s up to all of us in this city to make it better,” Robertson said. “The city isn’t just Mayor Saffo and the City Council, the city is us, it’s all the citizens.”

That’s why she and hundreds of volunteers have spent eight weeks creating a mural near N. 10th and Fanning Streets. Businesses, organizations and students have left their marks on The Forest of Dreams in the form of creatures and plants.

Wednesday, D.C. Virgo students, like Saimeya Williams, and Wilmington Police officers spent the day adding finishing touches.

“I’m working on a book with my sister and making different kinds of colors and designs,” said Williams. ” I like painting, and I like to see the neighborhood looking good, so it can show a different kind of character that we built.”

Robertson said the dream wall is now a staple in its community.

“They’re out here all the time helping and this is now their wall, just ask them and they’ll tell you,” said Robertson.

Saturday is the last Saturday the wall will be open for volunteers to come out and paint.