The Milkhouse Mural Project is an open opportunity for the young men placed at the O'Connell Youth Ranch to enact meaningful change upon their environment through the creation of a mural. Through art and collaboration, our young men will create a personal connection with the Lawrence community as well as leave behind a message of safety, hope and positive change for future residents.
All content, composition, symbolism and color schemes were selected by the residents in response to information provided by a questionnaire and topics discussed in group meetings.
Of the information that was gathered from residents via the questionnaire, here are a few examples:
First Impressions of O'Connell Youth Ranch-
-Hopeless
-Frightening
-Artificial
-Never returning home
-Peaceful
-Fresh Air
-A place for change
Advice to New Residents (from current residents)-
-Don't be stubborn, have an open mind
-Focus on a REAL goal
-Open your eyes
-It is okay to cry when you are sad
-Talk to someone if you are down
-Listen to peers who have had been through similar or worse experiences
-Time seems to lessen pain (if you allow it)
The Milkhouse is the first structure the residents see when they arrive on grounds. Based upon the first impressions of previous residents, it appears that this experience is not a pleasant one. An otherwise wasted old eyesore that had long ago lost its function, can now be resurrected and re-purposed into a signpost of hope, change and validation for past, present and future residents, staff and the Lawrence community.
All content, composition, symbolism and color schemes were selected by the residents in response to information provided by a questionnaire and topics discussed in group meetings.
Of the information that was gathered from residents via the questionnaire, here are a few examples:
First Impressions of O'Connell Youth Ranch-
-Hopeless
-Frightening
-Artificial
-Never returning home
-Peaceful
-Fresh Air
-A place for change
Advice to New Residents (from current residents)-
-Don't be stubborn, have an open mind
-Focus on a REAL goal
-Open your eyes
-It is okay to cry when you are sad
-Talk to someone if you are down
-Listen to peers who have had been through similar or worse experiences
-Time seems to lessen pain (if you allow it)
The Milkhouse is the first structure the residents see when they arrive on grounds. Based upon the first impressions of previous residents, it appears that this experience is not a pleasant one. An otherwise wasted old eyesore that had long ago lost its function, can now be resurrected and re-purposed into a signpost of hope, change and validation for past, present and future residents, staff and the Lawrence community.
O'Connell Youth Ranch Inc. | 1646 N. 1320 Rd. Lawrence, KS 66046 | -[P]- (785) 842-9356 -[F]- (785) 842-9382