Garrett Popcorn Shops Unveils New Mural at Chatham Location

Lee Edwards | As of Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Mural designer, Rahmaan “Statik” Barnes and After School Matters student painters infront of their mural.
Mural designer, Rahmaan “Statik” Barnes and After School Matters student painters infront of their mural.

Garrett Popcorn Shops unveiled a mural created by Rahmaan “Statik” Barnes and students from Kenwood Academy and Simeon Career Academy High Schools at its 737 E. 87th Street location in Chatham in partnership with After School Matters and The Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Co.

“From our perspective it’s about giving back to the community… We think that wherever we go we have a responsibility to be more than just a business; we work there, we play there, our employees are from there, so wherever we’re at it’s important to set the right tone for being a responsible corporate citizen,” Steve Moreau, Garrett Popcorn Shop’s Vice President of Operations, told the Chicago Citizen Newspaper.

“This shows what we can do working together with [the] legislative portion, business and the community. This is just a wonderful thing, Statik did a great job with corralling the young people together, doing a dynamic art piece here,” said 6th Ward Alderman Roderick Sawyer who attended the event.

Barnes, a Chicago native, was commissioned by Garrett Popcorn Shop to create the mural entitled, “Sharing Handcrafted Happiness” which essentially is the other half of a mural called “Global Intellect” which was installed at the Garrett Popcorn Shop in Chatham in 2011.

“I’m a firm believer in leading by example. It’s the responsibility of an artist to bring this type of art to the community that’s never seen it before, that’s the power of public art,” said Barnes, who has been working as a professional artist for over 15 years

“Not only is Barnes an amazing artist, he’s an amazing person,” said Garrett Popcorn Shop’s Executive Vice President of Marketing Melissa Mikolajczak. For us it’s about showcasing the kids and their talent. There are a lot of good people in Chatham.”

Twenty-nine After School Matters students, who attend Kenwood and Simeon high schools, contributed to the project by completing the mural’s under painting which amounts to roughly 40 percent of the final art work according to Barnes.

Barnes hoped to instill in students working on the mural, the value of being one-hundred percent committed to a goal or project from beginning to end. He also wanted them to experience the positive results that dedication and teamwork yields.

"After School Matters is so excited to work with Garrett Popcorn on this unique, artistic opportunity for Chicago teens," said Mary Ellen Caron, CEO of After School Matters. "We are grateful for the generous support of Garrett Popcorn and we look forward to working together in the future on more projects to improve Chicago communities."

“We have increased in our budget After School Matters funding and After School Matters programs by 30%. Even though the federal government and state government cut back on their investment in the kids, the city government stepped up,” said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to the event’s attendees.

After School Matters is a non-profit organization that provides Chicago teens with opportunities after-school to cultivate their skills and talents while also developing critical life skills. Founded by the late Maggie Daley, over 100,000 students have participated in After School Matters programs and activities in partnership with the Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Public Library, etc.

“When we first opened our Shop at 87th Street, the Chatham community embraced us with open arms. We are thrilled to continue to support the growth of the neighborhood and the growth of these talented and ambitious students,” says Megan Chody, Director of Community Outreach for Garrett Popcorn Shops®.

To complete the mural, 200 cans of paint, 80 paint brushes and 20 different colors were used.

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