The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has unveiled a breathtaking large-scale mural at the Savannah Jewish Educational Alliance (JEA) as part of its SCAD SERVE "Paint Our Parks" public art initiative. The transformation of the playground, pickleball, and basketball courts with this magnificent artwork represents the university's commitment to serving the community through creativity and altruism.
Paint Our Parks is a unique initiative envisioned by SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace, which harnesses the talent and expertise of SCAD students and alumni to benefit the citizens of Savannah and Atlanta. Since its launch in fall 2021, the initiative has successfully painted five playgrounds, basketball courts, and recreational spaces in Atlanta. The mural at the JEA is the fourth playground mural in the Savannah area, following projects at Coastal Middle School, Hodge Elementary School, and Greenbriar Children's Center.
SCAD has not only contributed significant funds for the restoration of the playgrounds' court surfaces but has also played a key role in the creation of a larger-than-life mural spanning approximately 115 feet by 109 feet. The design of the JEA mural was brought to life by SCAD alumnus Melyssa Amann, who graduated with a B.F.A. in illustration in 2020 and is a resident of Savannah.
Amann drew inspiration from the mission of the JEA, incorporating a central menorah along with the Star of David and illustrations of hands reaching out into the community. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work with SCAD again.
“Creating this mural with SCAD SERVE has been a surreal experience. It has been such an honor to work alongside SCAD again to create something so beautiful and meaningful for the Jewish Educational Alliance community in my home city of Savannah," said Amann. "Seeing the excitement of the members of the JEA and their children while working on this mural meant so much to me and excited me to have played a role in uplifting and energizing their community. As an artist, it is always magical to see your designs come to life, especially at such a grand scale. The skills I refined as a SCAD student offered me the opportunity to be a catalyst for change, and I hope I inspire the next generation of visual innovators to do the same.”
The project involved the collaborative efforts of dozens of SCAD SERVE students, faculty, and staff, who volunteered more than 360 hours to complete the mural. Over 150 gallons of special acrylic paint were used in the process.
“This project has been an amazing addition to the JEA property and working with the SCAD Serves team and muralist was a dream,” said JEA chief operating officer Jamie Richman. “The artist, Melyssa Amann, really captured the values of who we are. Themes such as community, ahava (love) and tikkun olam (repairing the world) are deeply rooted in our Jewish tradition – plus, they were able to accommodate our request for both a basketball court, pickleball courts, four square and hopscotch. It is a multi-use space that will be used by so many as part of our growing programs – and it makes it extra special that it has such meaning behind the design. Thank you to SCAD, SCAD Serves, all of the volunteers and the SCAD community for this amazing gift.”
Paint Our Parks is a community-focused initiative that allows SCAD students, alumni, and faculty to use their creative skills to bring positivity, wellness, and joy to local neighborhoods. SCAD SERVE will continue working closely with local schools, civic and community leaders to extend these inspiring murals to deserving communities and neighborhoods.
For more information about SCAD SERVE and its initiatives, please visit scad.edu/scadserve.
