Words embedded into 7 x 9’ artwork of ‘Achieve, Believe, Dream, Grow and Love’ “help continue the healing process,” stated Randi Pupkin, Executive Director of AWAH 

Randi Pupkin, Executive Director, Art with a Heart; Kevin Plank, CEO of Under Armour and Jenny Hyle, Director of Public Art and Community Service, Art with a Heart

Art with a Heart (AWAH), a Baltimore-based non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people in need with the use of visual art, has completed the assembly and installation of an original mosaic within the recently-dedicated Under Armour (UA) House at Fayette in Baltimore City. The 7 x 9’ piece of artwork was created with 300 volunteers and depicts imagery and the skyline reflective of downtown Baltimore. Inspirational words embedded into the mosaic include Achieve, Believe, Dream, Grow and Love.

Constructed through a partnership between Under Armour and the Living Classrooms Foundation, the 10,000 square foot project represents a renovation of the former Carmelo Anthony Center and includes various components including sports facilities, a workplace development and entrepreneurship center, a recording studio and a neighborhood kitchen. Living Classrooms will provide on-going programming at the facility located at 1100 E. Fayette Street.

The Heart with a Art mosaic was completed in fourteen days and is positioned just inside the main entrance of the UA House, providing visitors with a colorful and thought-inducing introduction to the multi-purpose building. A majority of the assembly was completed by youth that live in the nearby communities and who benefit daily by programming offered at the UA House.

“This particular design was chosen because Art with a Heart believes deeply in the resolve of Baltimore City residents, and the bright imagery of the city skyline matches the optimism we feel for its future,” explained Randi Pupkin, Executive Director of Art with a Heart. “The themes of achieve, believe, dream, grow and love are indicative of the goals we are certain still resonate within the people of Baltimore. It is our hope that this mosaic will be inspirational, stimulate positive conversations and help facilitate the healing process that continues within our City.”

Art with a Heart brings interactive visual arts classes into schools, community centers, group homes, shelters, permanent housing facilities, hospitals and senior housing. Founded in 2000, the non-profit organization programs more than 11,000 classes annually and has a proven track record for developing creative initiatives and accessible paths to success for individuals living in Baltimore’s most vulnerable communities.

For additional information, visit www.ArtwithaHeart.net.