September 13, 2023 | GWP
This colorful collage is inspired by the vibrant colors found in nature.
The Boys and Girls Club of Clifton, NJ, provides programs that enable young people to realize their full potential as caring citizens.
This summer, Phillip Jeffries hosted more than 30 middle schoolers from the Boys and Girls Club of Clifton, NJ. The day began with an exciting tour of our facility, where the students had the opportunity to learn all about our company and the incredible work we do.
With the guidance of our in-house design team, they embarked on a unique project to create their very own wallcovering. Inspired by nature, the kids painted vibrant and awe-inspiring artwork that would later be collaged together by our PJ designers.
ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE
PJ's Custom Designer, J Carpenter (and a former art teacher!) volunteered to paint with the students. "The event went way better than I had hoped," said J. "What impressed me was that each child had a unique interpretation of the assignment. The PJ staff also impressed me. I had about ten PJ employees helping out with the kids. I thought the PJ-ers' interpretations of the assignment were just as impressive as the kids' interpretations! Everyone at PJ really took ownership of the event and made it happen."
As the students dipped their brushes into vibrant hues, the mural gradually took shape. With some encouragement and prodding, they saw their efforts come together and it became a symbol of unity and shared vision. Each brushstroke, each color choice, and each creative burst added to the collective beauty of the artwork.
"Each student painted one Hawaiian plant using provided photographs for reference," said J. "Then, we scanned each painting and used one part of each painting as an element in the mural. Every little artist, despite whether or not they felt they were 'good' at art, created at least one element that could be used in the mural."
A colorful Hawaiian botanical composition, the mural is comprised of the paintings from 30 students! The resulting mural was also a reflection of the power of collaboration. It captured the essence of nature's magnificence, with vibrant flowers, majestic trees, and a breathtaking sky.
A CREATIVE COMMUNITY
"The mural is about community," said J. "How each person's unique vision is a part of a beautiful, unified piece, brimming with color and life."
At Phillip Jeffries, we believe in the power of giving back to our community. Through initiatives like this, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation of artists, designers, and leaders.
Thanks to Kaitlin Lopez, one of the team leaders for our PJ Cares initiative, the day spent with the Boys and Girls Club of Clifton, NJ, was a fantastic opportunity for our employees and a true testament to the incredible potential that lies within each and every child. We are grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of their creative journey and look forward to continuing our support through PJ Cares, our employee-led group dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those around us.
Click here to learn more about PJ Cares program and their exciting work.
