Spenard’s Largest Community Mural Now Complete
Ladybugs, Plants, and People Brighten Alaska Seeds of Change Facility
The largest community mural in Anchorage’s Spenard neighborhood is now complete. The mural at Alaska Seeds of Change, 704 W 26th Avenue, was facilitated by artist Sarah Davies, creator of the 2015 100Stone Project, Alaska’s largest community sculpture installation.
Designing the Mural
Back in 2019, Davies’ and youth engaged at Alaska Seeds of Change collaborated to plan and design the mural. That summer they were able to complete a portion of the mural, including the now signature ladybugs that grace two garage doors. This summer, Davies and youth staff continued the work – expanding the mural to cover most of 3 sides of the building. Ms. Davies chronicled this summer’s work on Instagram @bysarahdavies.
The purple and green color scheme reflects what happens on the inside of the building, where leafy green vegetables grow in vertical hydroponic towers with the help of purple LED lights. Ladybugs are used to control pests, inspiring the mural’s key motif. The interconnected geometry represents the ethnic, cultural and neurodiversity of the staff and youth.
Serving Transition Age Youth
Alaska Seeds of Changes provides vocational training to youth ages 14-23 in a trauma-informed, mental-health aware setting. It is a program of Alaska Behavioral Health, which is expanding services in the immediate area. A former furniture store at 2601 Arctic Boulevard is being renovated to house the POWER Center, a youth drop-in center and outreach program, as well as clinical mental health services. AKBH has also purchased the former City Center motel on W. 26th, which will be torn down to accommodate needed parking for both facilities.
About Sarah Davies
Sarah Davies is the award-winning artist behind the “100 Stone Project”, an installation of life-size statues installed at Point Woronzof in Anchorage in November and December 2015. The project raised awareness of suicide and mental health struggles and attracted followers from around the world. The installation followed a series of public engagement sessions around the state that created a space for people to share their stories in a physical way, and to feel connection to a community of creators. Ms. Davies currently teaches art at Bartlett High School in Anchorage.
About Alaska Behavioral Health
Alaska Behavioral Health, formerly known as Anchorage and Fairbanks Community Mental Health Services, has been providing mental health services to the Anchorage community for more than 45 years and in Fairbanks since 2013. A not-for-profit 501(c)3, Alaska Behavioral Health is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation and is licensed by the State of Alaska. Services include individual and group therapy and skill development for children and adults, psychoeducation, psychiatric services, case management, structured family therapy, and vocational training. ###
Media Inquiries
Please contact:
Jessica Cochran
Director of Community Relations & Communications
Phone: 907-440-8047 or 907-261-5330
Email address: jcochran@akbh.org
