The city of Lewiston is tackling graffiti through a community initiative called Wings for Change. This program invites local property owners to request free art installations to cover unwanted tags and profanity on their buildings. The project features butterfly and wing-themed murals, which symbolize transformation and success for the area.
Melanie Therrien of Wicked Illustrations leads this effort. She has a history of public art advocacy in the city, including work on creative crosswalks and electrical boxes. She views this project as a practical way to replace random scribbles with intentional, beautiful images that residents can appreciate.
Property owners can submit requests for coverage by emailing the team through August 24. Once approved, artists collaborate with owners to select and apply the artwork. The process is straightforward and aims to improve the visual landscape of local neighborhoods without cost to the property owner.
Beyond professional efforts, the program includes community participation. The public is invited to attend paint days where they help create the murals. These pieces are then applied to buildings using an adhesive process. This method allows for quick, clean updates to public spaces.
Therrien emphasizes that sharing creative passion makes the city better. By turning neglected or vandalized surfaces into canvases, the initiative provides accessible art for everyone in Lewiston.